Chinese Zookeeper Risks Injury to Help a Hippo with a Troublesome Tooth
A Chinese zookeeper risked life and limb to help a hippo with a troublesome tooth.
The hippo, a resident of a zoo in the Yongchuan District of China, was showing signs of distress after getting bits of food and grass stuck between his teeth. Braving the animal’s tremendous teeth, the keeper stuck his arm into the gaping jaws to remove the offending debris.
Although hippos have a predominantly herbivorous diet, they are incredibly dangerous. Hippos are believed to be the most deadly creatures on earth, killing more people in African than lions. For the most part, they are docile and passive, but if they believe they are at risk, they will charge. Though cumbersome looking, hippos can run very fast and they are amazingly powerful animals.
Bystanders at the zoo suggested that the hippo seemed to be in considerable discomfort and he was clearly having difficulty with the food, which had become lodged between his teeth. Answering the call the duty, the fearsome keeper reached into the hippo’s mouth and cleared the obstruction. Luckily, the hippo seemed grateful for his keeper’s kindness and he was soon fighting fit again.
Join this Discussion