In a heartwarming—and let’s be honest, hilarious—scene at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Kansas, a baby pygmy hippopotamus named Mars became the star of a viral video that’s got everyone chuckling. When it was time to call it a night, Mars had other plans. He simply didn’t want to leave his cozy pool, no matter how much the zookeepers tried to coax him out. Enter Posie, Mars’ mom, who knows just how to handle a slippery situation with the legendary “mom stare.”

It turns out that baby hippos are surprisingly slippery creatures, thanks to a protective secretion they develop. Dr. Samantha Russak, the Curator of Research and Welfare, humorously noted that the zookeepers often find themselves wrestling little Mars just to get him inside for the night. But once Posie turned up and gave Mars her “look”—you know, the one that makes every kid rethink their rebellious stance—he quickly complied, showcasing just how powerful a mom’s gaze can be, even in the animal kingdom.

With over 4.6 million views on TikTok, the clip has sparked discussions about parenting techniques across species. Who knew a hippo could teach us so much about familial bonds? The moment reminds us that mothering comes with its own set of universal powers, from zookeepers to bedtime routines at home.
What’s the best trick your mom ever used to get you to listen?