Why Do Hippos Ooze a Red-Orange “Sweat”?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do hippos ooze a red-orange “sweat”?

The Big Idea

A hippo's red-orange ooze is not blood and not sweat! The thick liquid has special colored chemicals in it. It works like a natural lotion that helps block the Sun's rays.

Skin Makes Liquid

Step one: make the ooze. A hippo's skin makes a thick, red-orange liquid, mostly when the hippo is hot or upset. People call it blood sweat, but it is neither blood nor sweat.

Block the Sun

Step two: shield the skin. The special colored chemicals help block the Sun's rays. They may also help keep germs away, which helps protect little scrapes.

Water and Air

Step three: protect from drying. Hippos spend the day in water, but their skin dries and cracks in air. This natural lotion is very helpful for a big animal that lives in the Sun.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The ooze is thick like a lotion. It starts clear, then turns red-orange, then brown. It helps block the Sun's rays. It may also help keep germs away, too.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Hippos are not sweating when they ooze this liquid. The color changes from clear to red to brown over time. Hippos rest in water by day and graze on grass at night. Hippos are dangerous. Watch them only from far away.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, look at a bottle of sunscreen. Find the words that say it protects from the Sun's UV rays. Hippos make their own natural sunscreen. Why would they need it?

Outro

A hippo makes its own natural lotion. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!