Hippopotamus Facts
Hippopotamuses, or hippos, are huge, round animals with big mouths and short legs. They have thick, grayish skin and are known for their large size and big, friendly eyes. Hippos spend a lot of their time in water, like rivers and lakes, where they stay cool and safe from the hot sun. They can hold their breath and swim underwater, but they also come out to graze on grass. Hippos are mostly gentle but can be very protective of their space. Baby hippos, called calves, are born in the water and stay close to their mothers. Hippos are fascinating animals that love to splash and play in the water while enjoying their time on land.
Habitat
Hippopotamuses live in warm, tropical areas near rivers, lakes, and swamps. They spend a lot of time in the water to keep cool and to protect their sensitive skin from the sun. Hippos like to stay in shallow water where they can easily float and keep their bodies mostly submerged. They also need a place to come out and graze on grass, which they do mostly at night. On land, hippos make their homes near water sources where they can easily go back and forth. During the day, they rest in the water to stay cool and avoid the heat. Hippos need a good habitat with both water and land to stay happy and healthy.
Behavior
Hippopotamuses are mostly gentle but can be very active and playful. They spend a lot of time in the water, where they swim and float, using their big mouths to open wide and show their huge teeth. Hippos are most active at night and come out of the water to graze on grass. They can walk long distances on land to find food. Despite their size, hippos are very fast and can run quickly if they need to. They communicate with each other using grunts and growls, and they like to stay close to their family members. Baby hippos, called calves, stay close to their mothers and learn how to find food and stay safe. Hippos are fascinating animals with unique behaviors that help them thrive in their watery homes.
Facts
Learn cool and chunky facts about hippos, the big and mighty river giants!
01.
Size: Hippos are the third-largest land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos, weighing up to 3,300 pounds (1,500 kg) and reaching lengths of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters).
02.
Diet: Hippos are herbivores, feeding on grasses, fruits, and aquatic plants. Despite their large size, they consume relatively small amounts of food due to their low metabolic rate.
03.
Birth and Offspring: Female hippos give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 8 months. Calves can swim almost immediately and are nursed underwater by their mothers.
04.
A fun fact about hippos is that they produce a pink, oily substance known as "hippo sweat." This sweat acts as a natural sunscreen, moisturizer, and antibiotic, helping to protect their skin from the harsh African sun and reduce the risk of infections.