World Hippo Day
February 15 · Level 9 · #384 of 2238
This day is devoted to hippos, the African giants that look fearsome but need friends. Hippos are listed as a vulnerable species, mainly because of poaching and the loss of their rivers and wetlands.
How it is celebrated: zoos and conservation groups share stories about hippo behaviour, children draw and craft their favourite river dwellers, and people post their funniest hippo photos online.
The word hippopotamus comes from Greek and means "river horse". Hippo skin also secretes a reddish, oily fluid that acts as a natural sunscreen.