Maude Carpenter

Written by Maude Carpenter

Modified & Updated: 08 Dec 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

15-ripleys-believe-it-or-not-facts
Source: Gatlinburg.com

Are you ready to dive into the world of astonishing and mind-boggling facts? Get ready to be amazed as we present 15 unbelievable Ripley’s Believe It or Not facts that will leave you questioning reality! Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a franchise known for collecting and showcasing the most unusual and extraordinary things from around the globe. From bizarre natural phenomena to mind-blowing human achievements, Ripley’s Believe It or Not has been capturing the imaginations of both young and old for decades. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare to be astounded as we embark on this journey into the realm of the unbelievable!

Key Takeaways:

  • Polar bears have black skin to absorb heat, not white fur.
  • The Great Wall of China can’t be seen from space, and cows have best friends.
Table of Contents

Polar bears have black skin, not white.

Contrary to popular belief, the fur of polar bears is actually transparent and appears white because it reflects light. Underneath their fur, they have black skin to help absorb and retain heat in their cold Arctic habitats.

The Great Wall of China is not visible from space.

Although a common myth, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from space with the naked eye. Its width is relatively narrow compared to the vastness of space, making it impossible for astronauts to see without the aid of powerful telescopic lenses.

Elephants are the only mammals that can’t jump.

Due to their size and body structure, elephants are physically incapable of lifting all four feet off the ground at the same time, making it impossible for them to jump. Their powerful legs are designed for stability and walking long distances.

The shortest war in history lasted only 38 to 45 minutes.

The Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Zanzibar in 1896, holds the record for the shortest war ever recorded. It began at 9:02 a.m. and was officially over by 9:45 a.m., resulting in a decisive British victory.

Cats have more bones in their bodies than humans do.

While an adult human has 206 bones, an average cat has around This is due to the flexibility of their spines and the additional bones in their tails, allowing them to be more agile and graceful in their movements.

Honey never spoils.

Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Honey has natural preservatives like low water content and high acidity, which make it resistant to spoilage.

The longest wedding veil ever recorded was longer than 6 football fields.

The record for the longest wedding veil goes to a bride in Cyprus in Her veil measured a staggering 22,843 feet long, which is equivalent to over six football fields. It took a team of people to carry and manage the enormous veil during the ceremony.

There is a building in Japan that has a highway going through it.

The Gate Tower Building in Osaka, Japan, is a unique structure with a highway passing through it. To accommodate the highway, the building has an open-air corridor where cars can freely pass, creating a fascinating blend of infrastructure and architecture.

Oranges were named after the color.

The fruit pioneered the use of the word “orange,” and eventually, the color adopted the name of the fruit. Before oranges became widely known, the color was referred to as “geoluhread” in Old English, meaning yellow-red.

Some dogs have a sixth sense for detecting diseases.

Studies have shown that certain dogs, with their exceptional sense of smell, can detect diseases such as cancer and diabetes. They can pick up on slight chemical changes in a person’s body odor and provide early detection, potentially saving lives.

Astronauts’ height increases in space.

Due to the absence of gravity compressing the spinal discs, astronauts can gain up to two inches in height during their time in space. However, once they return to Earth, their spine gradually returns to its original length.

Fruit stickers are edible.

The small stickers found on fruits, such as apples and bananas, are made from edible paper and food-grade ink and are considered safe to consume. However, it’s best to remove them before eating to avoid any potential choking hazards.

Cows have best friends.

Cows are known to form close friendships with other cows and prefer to spend their time with specific companions. They can become stressed when separated from their best friends, demonstrating a strong social bond within their herd.

The average person will spend six months of their life waiting for red lights to turn green.

Based on estimates, an individual who drives for an average of one hour per day can expect to spend six months waiting at red lights over the course of their lifetime. That’s a significant amount of time spent waiting for the traffic signal to change!

Every year, more than one million Earthquakes shake the world.

Although most earthquakes go undetected by humans, seismographs record over a million earthquakes worldwide each year. The majority of these earthquakes are very small and pose no significant threat, while others can cause devastating destruction.

Conclusion

Ripley’s Believe It or Not is full of fascinating and mind-boggling facts that challenge our understanding of the world. From unbelievable feats to strange occurrences, these facts stretch the limits of what we thought was possible.

Whether it’s a man who can swallow swords or a cat with more toes than usual, Ripley’s Believe It or Not provides a platform to showcase the extraordinary and the bizarre. These facts not only entertain but also inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder.

So next time you come across a Ripley’s Believe It or Not fact, brace yourself for the extraordinary. Prepare to have your beliefs challenged and your mind blown!

FAQs

1. Are Ripley’s Believe It or Not facts real or fabricated?

While some of the stories may seem unbelievable, Ripley’s Believe It or Not facts are based on real events and occurrences. The collection features verified oddities and astonishing records that have been thoroughly researched.

2. How does Ripley’s verify the authenticity of the facts?

Ripley’s employs a team of researchers who investigate each fact to ensure its authenticity. They conduct extensive research, cross-reference information, and seek expert opinions to validate the facts before they are included in the collection.

3. Can I visit a Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum?

Yes, Ripley’s Believe It or Not has several museums located around the world. These museums allow visitors to explore and interact with extraordinary exhibits and artifacts that showcase the strange, unusual, and amazing.

4. How often are new Ripley’s Believe It or Not facts added?

New facts are regularly added to the collection as more extraordinary events occur and records are broken. Ripley’s Believe It or Not keeps up with the ever-changing world to bring you the latest and most mind-boggling facts.

5. Can I submit my own Ripley’s Believe It or Not fact?

Absolutely! Ripley’s Believe It or Not encourages individuals to share their extraordinary stories and facts. You can submit your own discoveries through their official website, and who knows, your story may just become part of the legendary collection.

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