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A rumour thathippopotamusmilk is pink has been spread on the cyberspace for many years — and the idea gained grip when National Geographic post about it on itsFacebookpage .
But is hippo ( Hippopotamus amphibius ) milk actually pink ? It turns out that like other mammal milk , hippo milk is really white or pick in colour .
Hippo milk isn’t pink, but its “sweat” is.
" I have never listen their milk is pinkish , so that is a rumor,“Rebecca Lewison , a biology professor at San Diego State University and conscientious objector - president of theIUCN SSC Hippo Specialist Group , which upgrade the conservation of common and pygmy hippos ( Choeropsis liberiensis ) , told Live Science : " However , hippo ' sweat ' is pink . That ’s genuine and there has been some interesting science into what compounds are in there , " Lewison added . " To be clear , it is not sweat but a skin secretion that is a combo of sunscreen and antibiotic and antimicrobial compound . "
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The hippo " sweat " is an oleaginous secretion released by the animal ’s mucose glands . While it is sometimes refer to asred sweator blood perspiration , it is neither blood nor sweat but a compounding ofhipposudoric dot and nor - hipposudoric dose . These two substances diddle an important role in protect the hippo ’s wellness .
" The red and orangish paint are non - benzenoid redolent compounds that are acidic and have antibiotic as well as sunscreen properties , " Lewison said .
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This inwardness moisturizes the skin , keep the creature cool and protects them from harmful bacterium . Hippos are amphibian and drop up to 16 hours a sidereal day in muddy , mirky water , so this secretion minimizes the risk of infection . Hippos always have scratches and cuts , but they look to heal flawlessly even when the brute has been bath in mud .
Although this thick secernment get along outcolorlesslike human swither , it bit by bit turns ruby-red , pinkish or orange as the paint polymerise in the Sunday . After a few hours , it turn dark-brown .
This secernment could perchance then mix with themilkwhen a infant hippo is feeding , which could give the milk a pinkish hue , Lewison said .
However , pink milk could be the augury of a wellness problem , saidBarbara Henry , curator of nutrition at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden . " Hippo milk is not pink . If there is a pink color that mean there may be an issue that involves rake , " she tell Live Science .
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