Happy Hippos Get Teeth Cleaned at Prague Zoo

Hippo mother Marushka and son Fanda were treated to teeth cleanings, Tuesday, July 30, at the Prague Zoo, an experience the hippos find entertaining, according to their keepers. What started as using a hose to coax the hippos out of their house became a way to dislodge the remains of food from their teeth.

Hippos’ front teeth can grow up to half a meter (19 inches) in length and are used for defense. The animals graze using strong, muscular lips and chew their food with teeth placed further back in their mouths. (REUTERS)