Cincinnati Zookeeper Explains How Hippos Giant Mouths Actually Work
Hippos are such a fun animal to watch and learn about, which is why I was so interested in this video that @Cincinnati Zoo shared in September 2023. The video starts with zookeeper Jenna introducing herself and one of their hippos, Tucker, with his mouth wide open waiting for a treat!
Jenna goes on to explain all the different parts of Tucker's mouth, including his lips, jowls, molars, and teeth. She also issues a warning that should you get the opportunity, you should never try to get that close to a hippo's mouth. I think that should go without saying!
Tucker's lips are gummy, which helps him to gather grass into his mouth. His jowls help get the food from his lips to the back of his throat so he can swallow it. His teeth stick straight out in the front, and they are used for sparring and to protect their babies against other hippos. I think the most impressive part of the video was how patient Tucker is and that the zookeeper was brave enough to put her arm in his mouth!
Commenters were fascinated with the video as well. @aly said, "What a handsome, well-behaved man"! @Jason Brock pointed out, "Tucker just patiently waiting for the food with no cares at all." Another commenter wondered, "What does their skin feel like? How cool you get to have this relationship with him!", and @Cincinnati Zoo replied, "Like a wet avocado covered in dog slobber"! @Asthetic Genetics called Tucker, "The perfect model"!
The Cincinnati Zoo is full of cute hippos, like this brother and sister who give each other kisses. It makes you forget how dangerous hippos really are!
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