Secrets of the Hippo: Nature's Giant

Hidden beneath the surface of Africa’s rivers lies one of the most surprising giants on Earth…

the hippopotamus! But don’t be fooled by that chubby smile — hippos are full of incredible secrets.

"Did you know hippos spend up to 16 hours a day underwater? Their skin dries out quickly,

so they rely on rivers to stay cool. And that shiny red liquid they ooze? It’s not blood —

it’s a natural sunscreen that protects them from the sun and bacteria. Even though they

look heavy, hippos move gracefully beneath the surface, almost like they’re walking on the riverbed.

They can hold their breath for 5 minutes And that huge mouth? It opens nearly 150 degrees,

revealing teeth that can grow over 1 foot long. Despite being herbivores, hippos are one of