Baby Hippo Trying to Chomp on a Whole Papaya at the Cincinnati Zoo Is Cuteness Overload
The Cincinnati Zoo has once again captured the hearts of animal lovers everywhere with a recent video featuring their adorable baby hippo, Fritz. In mid-July, the zoo shared a clip that has since gone viral, showcasing Fritz attempting to tackle a whole papaya—a treat that his parents, Bibi and Tucker, handle with ease.
In the video, a zookeeper tosses the papaya into Fritz's eager mouth. Despite having observed his parents eat these fruits countless times, Fritz struggles to chomp down on the large fruit. His perseverance, however, is nothing short of endearing. The video has sparked a wave of comments on social media, with fans expressing their delight at the baby hippo's antics.
Twitter user @Spoonie humorously empathized with Fritz, saying, “I just a baby!” Meanwhile, @catinamorton40 noted the papaya's role as a natural teething ring, and @Jenny Yuan playfully commented, “He's juicing it!” The video not only showcases Fritz's cuteness but also highlights the unique characteristics of hippos.
The Cincinnati Zoo captioned the video with a fascinating fact about hippos: “With an 1,800 PSI bite force, the hippo has one of the world's strongest bite forces. This bite force is greater than a lion's (650 PSI) and a polar bear's (1,200 PSI)!” This statistic, while impressive, underscores the power behind those seemingly gentle jaws.
According to National Geographic, hippos possess remarkable teeth and jaw strength. Their molars are designed for eating, while their long, sharp canines—which can reach 20 inches—are used for fighting. Hippos' jaws can open to an astonishing 180 degrees, and their bite is nearly three times stronger than a lion’s. One bite from a hippo can indeed be lethal.
It's important to remember that while hippos are fascinating, they are also highly aggressive when threatened or in their territory. Their speed on land can reach up to 22 miles per hour over short distances, and they can move in water at about 5 miles per hour. These animals are not to be underestimated.
The video of Fritz and his papaya adventure is a delightful reminder of the wonders of wildlife, even as it highlights the strength and potential danger of these magnificent creatures. For more heartwarming and informative content, follow the Cincinnati Zoo and other animal-centric channels to stay updated on the lives of these incredible beings.