Jack's Animal Fun Facts

Welcome back to Artbeat Radio!

Today you’ll hear animal expert Jack Medved share facts about three animal species: hippos, pangolins, and whales. All three of these animals have their international holidays in the month of February. Listen and learn with Jack in preparation of celebrating World Hippo Day (2/15), World Pangolin Day (2/18), and World Whale Day (2/19).

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Audio Transcription: (Please listen on Podomatic or Spotify to view the full transcript)

*Intro music by Artbeat Radio staff*

Music, stories, and more! You’re listening to Artbeat Radio, a program of Able ARTS Work.

*Jingle plays*

IT'S WHAT WE DO, YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME BACK. COME TO THE ZOO IT'S WHAT WE DO. YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME BACK YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME BACK. COME TO THE ZOO IT'S WHAT WE DO. YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME BACK. THERE'S PLENTY TO TELL YOU. JACK'S ANIMAL FUN FACTS. JACK'S ANIMAL FUN FACTS. JACK'S ANIMAL FUN FACTS.

Hi everybody! Jack's my name and you're looking at the world's greatest animal expert in my family. We're talking about the animals that have their holidays in February. Everybody's got customs and traditions. It's nature's way. I know you're wondering if I could choose a Pangolin or whales or hippos; Well, I think I have a way to work this out to make it all roll into one.

*Hippo Sounds*

World Hippo Day is coming soon here. Hippos are the second largest land mammals. They can weigh as much as 8000lbs or 4000, which is pretty heavy! Hippo or hippopotamus comes from this word hippopotamus amphibious. There's the common looking one, but there's another kind known as the pygmy hippo from West Africa. They live in swampy rainforests. While they're pretty large, they live right here in Africa. They like to live near rivers, lakes, and mudholes. Did you know the word "hippo" means river horse? Besides that, hippos do graze a lot, and they trot pretty fast. Which explains how they got their name. They live in large groups up to 20 or 30, but the biggest pod here in Zambia there were 200 of them. Talk about community. Hippos are semi aquatic mammals, but they spend most of the day near rivers, lakes and mud holes to cool off. A hippo skin may look tough, but it's actually smooth, slippery and can be sensitive on a hot day. If it's too hot and dry, it'd be very uncomfortable and or get a sunburn. So, they stayed in near water and mud all day. In fact, mud is are quick and easy remedy for hot, dry skin. I could use some. So, what do hippos eat? Hippos like tea, grass, small shoots, reeds and water plants. In fact, they can eat 80 pounds of grass in single day. But mostly when they need to stay near the water, they stay there until night to graze on grass, away from it. In fact, the water sources, the lakes rivers, are a good way to avoid getting hot and avoid predators like lions or hyenas. But don't worry, they won't mess with them easily. How fast can they go? It can run shocking 19 mph even though they weigh 4 tons. Each herd has females in their calves and one male. He protects the family. Is that normal? Well, not only. Hippos might look friendly, but they're very territorial. They can be very aggressive. They're extremely protective of territory and do not like strangers. What makes some territorial? They need it, it's their way to survive. They're super strong and have a mighty bite.

*Hippo Roar*

Did I mention that they're also very loud? They sure are. They bellow, blare, honk and squeal to communicate with each other.