Giraffes are famous for their long necks, but their tongues deserve just as much attention. Stretching up to 20 inches, a giraffe’s tongue is a striking dark blue, purple, or almost black color. Scientists believe this unusual shade helps protect it from sunburn. 

Giraffes spend much of the day reaching for leaves high in the treetops, exposing their tongues to the harsh African sun. The extra pigment acts almost like built-in sunscreen, helping them forage for hours without damaging their sensitive skin.