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Tequila the Hippo’s Watermelon Woes: A Tooth-Truths Story

Have you ever bitten into a juicy slice of watermelon on a hot summer day? It's the best, right? Well, for Tequila the Hippo at Disney's Animal Kingdom, watermelon is a favorite treat too! But one day, something wasn't quite right.

You see, Tequila lives with her hippo bloat (that's what a group of hippos is called!) at the park. Every day, the keepers give them yummy produce as a reward for coming out to play. It's a fun way to keep an eye on their health and make sure they're happy.

On this particular day, the keepers noticed Tequila wasn't her usual, enthusiastic self when it came to the watermelon. While the other hippos were happily chomping away, Tequila seemed to struggle. She wasn't opening her mouth as wide, and instead of big bites, she was only nibbling tiny scraps.

The keepers knew something was up. Could it be a toothache?

Just like us, animals need to take care of their teeth! Did you know people used to clean their teeth with things like twigs and charcoal before toothpaste was invented?

It turns out, Tequila was having some tooth trouble! Just like humans, hippos can get cavities or have sore gums. The keepers made sure Tequila got the dental care she needed, and she was back to enjoying her watermelon in no time.

Tequila's story is a good reminder that even though we can't brush a hippo's teeth with a toothbrush, it's important for animal caretakers to pay close attention to their behavior. By noticing small changes, they can make sure all the animals are healthy and feeling their best.

So next time you enjoy a slice of watermelon, remember Tequila the Hippo and her tooth-truths adventure! It's a sweet reminder that taking care of our teeth (and the teeth of the animals we love) is important for a happy and healthy smile.

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