Hippo sweat is pink. I'm not kidding.
The rosy liquid helps the hairless hippo avoid a sunburn. The pigment of the secretion absorbs the sun's blistering UV rays. It's sunscreen au naturel.
The 'sweat' also acts as an antibiotic ointment. (watch out Neosporin) It's a lifesaving feature for male hippos, which often get injured when sparring with their sharp teeth over territory.
'This explains why hippo gashes and wounds rarely seem to get infected, even though male hippos have frequent, fierce fights.'
This vintage postcard friend from Jardin des Plantes in Paris could be the new spokeshippo for Coppertone!
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vintage postcards, old postcards , antique postcards
Don't Sweat It Vintage Postcards
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7 cool cats commented:
For humans, hippos are the most dangerous animals in Africa. More humans are killed by hippos than any other animal in Africa. I heard this on an Animal Planet TV show.
And here I was just wondering how they manage to heal so quickly! Pink... wow.
Fascinating! I'll remember that next time in in the jungle without a bandaid...just rub up against a hippo! LOL
They are so peaceful looking, and yet so deadly. Who knew they were their own best Pharmacist?
Pink sweat....wow. And we ladies worry about white deodorant stains under our arms...
How fantastic. We think we are so great, creating all these artificial medicines and cosmetics, and these guys just get on with it. Brilliant :)
Very interesting! And neat that there used to be hoppos at the Jardin des Plantes. I actually haven't been to the zoo (too cheap to pay to get in!), so maybe they're still there!
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