Why do giraffes lick steel pipes?#fun #animals #cute #incredible #giraffe

Many people think a giraffe keeps licking metal poles because it is hungry, but that is usually not the real reason. A giraffe's favorite food mainly comes from acacia trees. The leaves contain plenty of nutrients, but they also have natural toxins. When giraffes eat large amounts of these leaves over time, the body has to constantly break down and process those compounds. >> [music] >> Because of that, giraffes often look for extra salt and minerals. In zoos or wildlife parks, they may lick metal poles, wooden fences, rocks, or other hard surfaces. This helps support normal body functions and keeps the digestive [music] system working properly. A giraffe's tongue is also specially adapted for this type of feeding. It can grow up [music] to around 18 in long and has a thick protective surface that helps prevent injury while pulling leaves from thorny acacia branches. In the wild, many animals search for minerals in similar ways. Elephants sometimes eat mineral-rich soil, while animals raised by humans, such as cows [music] and horses, are often given salt blocks to help replace important nutrients.