Hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius), like all mammals, produce white or off-white milk for their young. The confusion about pink milk likely stems from a unique secretion they produce.

A rumor that hippopotamus milk is pink has been spreading on the internet for many years — and the idea gained traction when National Geographic posted about it on its Facebook page.

A rumor that hippopotamus milk is pink has been spreading on the internet for many years — and the idea gained traction when National Geographic posted about it on its Facebook page.

The hippopotamus, however, does not produce pink milk. This claim is based on the combination of two unrelated facts: Hippos secrete hippusudoric acid, which has a reddish pigmentation.