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!