Unquenchable giraffes at Tarring Zoo in Sydney were attempting to reach their food treats hidden in a box to the bemusement of local visitors.

In an video posted to a social media website, the giraffes were seen twirling their 45cm tongues around the box as they tried to grab their daily snacks.

Taronga Zoo said the box was specifically designed to match giraffes' biological needs, with holes placed around the box in order for the animals to use their tongues to reach their food.

Senior giraffe keeper Johny Wade said a giraffe's tongue is to be considered the equivalent of a human's hands, since the animals use their mouth organ to grab branches, leaves and food.

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