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It seems that hippos secrete a natural sunscreen, often called 'blood sweat' for its reddish-brown color. The hippo version of sweat, which is red-orange, contains pigments that can block microbial growth and some ultraviolet light. On its skin are pores, which exude droplets of moisture containing red pigment. As light is reflected through these droplets they appear red, giving rise to the statement that hippos "sweat blood."

20:51, 16 July 2012