Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My 3 year old wants to know if the hippopotamuses get electrocuted during a storm with
Lightning and I haven't had any luck on google. Can you help?

Hello!

When an animal is struck by lightning, there is a serious risk of injury and death. The lightning's electricty may electrocute any nearby animals, such as a hippopotamus. This electric energy is so hot that is often burns any animal to death in an instant.

I hope that helps!
Kayli Masuda

Also, because the heart operates both mechanically and electrically, the electricity transferred by the lightning strike could also stop the heart of the hippopotamus, also resulting in death. This holds true for most animals, including humans, because hearts operate the same way for most mammals.