There is a creature that roams the planet, largely unknown to many people, that possesses a powerful and dangerous tool. It’s not a predator or a venomous animal, but it is something that can cause harm to humans if not treated with caution. This creature is the giraffe, and many people don’t know what it’s capable of.
Giraffes
Giraffes are weird and wonderful creatures that you can’t help but adore. They’re famed for their astonishing height, lanky necks, and brilliant patterns. But there’s more to these friendly giants than meets the eye at first glance.
One can discover dozens of fun facts about giraffes, from their exceptional eating patterns to their competitive rituals and outlandish birthing process. This article delves into one of the species’ most fascinating features; their curious tongues.
Giraffe tongues have melanin, the same pigment that turns your skin dark when you get suntanned, or makes it dark from birth if your ancestry is in Africa.
Most parts of most mammals are covered in fur, so they’re protected from the sun, but the exposed parts are at risk of sunburn and even skin cancer. That skin gets dark to protect it from sunburn: the dark granules absorb the sunlight, so it can’t damage the other tissues. A giraffe is an herbivore, and it spends a fair bit of its life with its tongue out, licking the leaves off of trees.
If you look closely you’ll find that only the front part is black. The part nearest the mouth, which is less exposed, is still pink. (Pink is the natural color of most tissues of the body, due to the presence of blood.)
However, if a giraffe were to lick a human, it could cause serious injury. The rough texture of a giraffe’s tongue, combined with the strength of their muscles, can easily strip away skin and cause bruising. In some cases, a giraffe’s tongue can even be powerful enough to break bones.
Despite the potential danger, many people are unaware of the risks associated with interacting with giraffes. In some parts of the world, giraffe petting zoos have become popular tourist attractions, where visitors are encouraged to feed and pet the animals. While these experiences can be fun and exciting, they can also be dangerous if not properly supervised.
It’s important to remember that giraffes are wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect. If you do find yourself in close proximity to a giraffe, it’s best to keep a safe distance and avoid any physical contact. Giraffes are best appreciated from afar, where their beauty and majesty can be admired without risking injury.
In conclusion, the giraffe is a fascinating and majestic creature, but it’s important to remember that it can also be dangerous if not treated with caution. While their powerful tongues may seem harmless, they can easily cause injury if not handled properly.
As we continue to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom, let us remember to approach these creatures with respect and awe, but also with a healthy dose of caution.
