🤔 Today's Trivia Question:

What Animal is Rumored to Have Pink Milk?

Correct Answer: C) Hippopotamus

🦛 The Truth About Hippo 'Blood Sweat' and the Pink Milk Rumor

The rumor that hippos produce pink milk has been circulating online for quite some time, gaining significant traction in 2013 when National Geographic mentioned the claim on its social media platforms. But is there any truth to this colorful assertion?

Do Hippos Actually Produce Pink Milk?

Hippos, like all mammals, produce milk that is typically white or off-white. The source of the confusion likely stems from the hippo's unique bodily secretions rather than the milk itself. Hippos don't have sweat glands; instead, they have mucus glands that release a substance often referred to as "blood sweat."

Understanding 'Hippo Blood Sweat'

This secretion isn't actually blood or sweat. It's a blend of two acids—hipposudoric acid and norhipposudoric acid—that play a crucial role in the hippo's health. Acting as a natural sunscreen and moisturizer, these acids protect the hippo's sensitive skin and possess antibiotic properties, reducing the risk of infection while the animal is in water. Initially colorless, the secretion turns a bright orange-red when exposed to sunlight, giving it a blood-like appearance before it eventually darkens to a brown hue.

Is Mixing of Hippo Sweat and Milk Common?

While it's possible for this secretion to mix with the milk, giving it a pinkish tint, it's not a common occurrence. Baby hippos are efficient feeders, latching onto their mother's nipple in a way that forms a tight seal, even allowing them to nurse underwater. The likelihood of these secretions mingling with the milk is quite low, and observing the hippo's nursing process closely is challenging. Female hippos are highly protective of their young, making it risky for anyone to get close enough to investigate.

The Persistent Pink Milk Myth

Despite the lack of evidence supporting the pink milk theory, the rumor continues to thrive. Thousands of people have engaged with this myth on National Geographic's social media, despite the organization's main hippopotamus page not mentioning the idea. While the notion of pink hippo milk remains a fun piece of misinformation, it doesn't stand up to scientific scrutiny.