Where does this come from, and can I check it?

Hippos produce red sweat that blocks ultraviolet rays and bacteria. The figure is taken from San Diego Zoo, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.

Is this really a animals fact?

Yes. It sits on the Animals shelf, one of 1,090 sourced facts grouped into space, animals, the human body, history, science and more. Category pages collect every fact in the same field.

What else can I read about it?

The links under the fact point to a quiz, game, puzzle or calculator on the same subject, and the shelf below shows related facts. The wording here is original, and quoted phrases are marked as quotations.

Mondo Knows Facts

Hippos secrete a red oily liquid that acts as sunscreen

Hippos produce red sweat that blocks ultraviolet rays and bacteria.

Hippopotamuses do not have sweat glands like humans, but special subdermal glands secrete red and orange pigments known as hipposudoric acid. This fluid absorbs harmful UV radiation and acts as a natural antimicrobial agent to protect their sensitive hairless skin.

Where this comes from

San Diego Zoo

Facts that can change over time are reviewed and updated. If something here looks wrong, Mondo would rather know than be confidently incorrect.

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Tags: hippo, mammals, skin

Hippos secrete a red oily liquid that acts as sunscreen: the short answers

Where does this come from, and can I check it?: Hippos produce red sweat that blocks ultraviolet rays and bacteria. The figure is taken from San Diego Zoo, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.
Is this really a animals fact?: Yes. It sits on the Animals shelf, one of 1,090 sourced facts grouped into space, animals, the human body, history, science and more. Category pages collect every fact in the same field.
What else can I read about it?: The links under the fact point to a quiz, game, puzzle or calculator on the same subject, and the shelf below shows related facts. The wording here is original, and quoted phrases are marked as quotations.