A Zookeeper's Brave Encounter While Checking A Hippo's Teeth

A zookeeper showed his bravery here as he checked the teeth of a resident hippo and plucked out muck that could lead to dental issues. The footage was shared on social media by "Zookeeper Guy", better known as Brian from Copenhagen Zoo in the Danish capital Copenhagen. In the video, he stated, "Quick mouth check on Komtu to make sure everything looks okay, it usually is."

In the footage, Brian explains the unique dental structure of hippos. He mentions that hippos have two types of teeth. Up front, they possess large, sharp canines in the lower jaw that pair with flat grinding teeth in the upper jaw. Interestingly, one of these upper teeth may appear broken, but it is not—it's the tooth that sharpens the larger canines.

Brian continues to elaborate on the hippo's dental anatomy, highlighting the incisors, which resemble two pieces of bamboo protruding from the mouth. Some male hippos may have tusks that grow out of their mouths, resembling those of elephants. To keep their teeth in check, hippos will often grind their tusks against the ground while feeding.

Komtu, the hippo being examined, has particularly large incisors. Brian and his team assist in trimming these back every five to six years for the comfort of the animal. The front teeth of hippos are made of pure ivory and lack nerves, meaning if they break, they will simply grow back. These teeth are primarily used for display and to ward off competitors. However, if intimidation fails, hippos are known to engage in combat, demonstrating their fierce nature.

Lastly, Brian explains that the molars at the back of the hippo’s mouth are true grinding teeth. They are vital for cutting and grinding grass, which constitutes the hippo's primary diet. The zookeeper's insights provide an incredible glimpse into the dental health of hippos and the care they receive at the zoo.

Brian, 47, has dedicated 23 years of his life to working as a zookeeper at Copenhagen Zoo. For the past 13 years, he has been involved in caring for the hippos. In an interview with Newsflash, Brian shared, "We have three hippos, two females and a male. I’m not brushing their teeth in the footage; I’m checking their mouths for bruises or anything out of the ordinary. I also check their teeth regularly to make sure they are not broken or damaged, which can cause pain and trouble eating."

He acknowledges that working closely with hippos can be dangerous, but his years of experience have cultivated a deep understanding of their behavior. "We use only positive reinforcement when working with them, meaning they participate freely and can leave any time they feel like it," he added. As a treat, Brian often gives the hippos apples, which are readily available throughout the year.

This story was provided to Newsweek by Zenger News.