It’s a common misconception on the internet that hippo moms produce milk that is pink and somewhat strawberry milkshake-like. However, it turns out that hippo newborns are consuming white milk exactly like everyone else. What is the origin of the “pink milk” hypothesis then? Actually, “sunscreen” is involved.
Hippos are among the most unusual creatures, and one trait that sets them apart is their capacity for sun protection. but not as you may anticipate.
Found in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, hippos can live 40 to 50 years and weigh anywhere from 2,900 to 4,000 pounds. And, because where they live is so hot, they spend up to 16 hours a day floating in rivers and pools to fend off the summer sun.
But even with all that time spent catching rays, hippos don’t sunburn. Their bodies make something specific only to hippos that solves a few pesky skin problems.
Hippos make an oily fluid that resembles mucus to shield them from the sun, despite the fact that they don’t really have glands that create sweat. The “sweat,” sometimes known as “blood sweat,” initially has a pinkish-red appearance.
This unusual mixture nourishes the hippo’s dry, delicate skin for hours, repels water, and shields it from the sun. Hippos may walk in water, graze on grass, and socialize with other hippos without worrying about hurting their skin thanks to “blood sweat.”
Because of their distinctive “sweat,” these big cuties are cooler than cool in addition to being natural-born aquatic babies (literally).
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