Greedy Giraffe Cranes Its Long Neck Into a Car Window to Steal a Bag of Peanuts - A-Z Animals

Why do giraffes have long necks? To make snack time easier, of course! In the below clip, a safari-going family decides to offer a wayward giraffe some peanuts. The long-necked critter likes this idea, and swoops in for a quick nibble. That’s not all, though, because he soon realizes the other open window on the car has even more peanuts. Much to the shock of the little kid sitting in the back, the giraffe leans on in and gulps even more peanuts down. After that little surprise, he returns to the front window for one last bite before leaving for good. Scroll on to see this hungry animal gobble his way into the spotlight!

Catch This Eager Giant in the Act

What Do Giraffes Eat?

As herbivores, giraffes have a specialized diet that suits their enormous necks. You see, their unique physique allows them to eat far above the normal grazing level, getting the best snacks before anyone else. Due to their size and nutritional needs, giraffes need all the tricks they can get to consume the nearly 70 pounds of food they require daily. Not only does this take special tools like their tongue, but it also requires patience – giraffes can spend up to 18 hours a day carefully browsing for food.

Since most animals inevitably require water along with food, it might be confusing how these towering creatures manage that. Not to worry, though, as their entire mouth, neck, and throat structures work together to make this otherwise impossible task work without a hitch. As such a staggering feat, it’s no wonder it was only recently that researchers began to understand how it works!

How Long Are Giraffe Tongues?

As a critical part of their eating habits, giraffe tongues are nothing if not special. Capable of growing up to 18 inches long, these long appendages are critical for their approach to feeding. One of their favorite meals comes from the leaves of the acacia tree, which is not only high off the ground but also protected with sharp thorns. If not for the combo of their fantastic tongue, flexible lips, and grinding teeth, this amazing meal wouldn’t be available. This is especially important, because next to no other animals are able to reach this morsel, so giraffes have almost exclusive access to it!

Although the owner of one of the most versatile tongues in the animal kingdom, the giraffe doesn’t quite set the record for having the longest. That acclaim belongs to the curious giant anteater, who can sometimes have tongues up to two feet in length!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jane Rix/Shutterstock.com