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.

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.

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.