KidZone Animals
Hippopotamus

Hello, young explorers! Welcome to Kidzone's animal facts. Today, we're going on an exciting journey into the world of one of nature's biggest, friendliest-looking, and most interesting creatures: The Hippopotamus! Let's dive in!

What is a Hippo?

"Hippopotamus" is a Greek word that means "river horse." That's quite a funny name, isn't it? But don't let it trick you. Hippos aren't horses, and they're much, much bigger! In fact, adult hippos are the third-largest land mammals on Earth, right after elephants and white rhinos. They're quite unique in their appearance with a bulky body, short legs, and an enormous head. Their skin is nearly hairless and very thick, almost like armor. And their color? It's a beautiful grayish-brown that can sometimes look pink when they're wet.

Where do Hippos Live?

Hippos are native to the continent of Africa. They love to live near water bodies like rivers, lakes, and swamps, where they can swim and stay cool. Africa can get really hot, and hippos have found the perfect way to beat the heat. They spend most of their day—up to 16 hours—submerged in water! This is why the name "river horse" fits them so well. They've adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, using water or mud to protect their sensitive skin from the sun and to keep their bodies cool.

What do Hippos Eat?

Looking at their big, strong teeth, you might think hippos eat meat. But surprise, surprise! Hippos are herbivores, which means they love to munch on plants. Their diet includes grass, leaves, and small branches. They can consume up to 80 pounds of grass in one night! They usually feed at dusk, traveling up to 6 miles and spending four to five hours grazing. Their long, sharp, canine teeth aren't for eating; instead, they use them for combat and defense.

How Big Can Hippos Get?

Hippos are massive creatures! They can weigh up to 4,000 pounds—that's as heavy as a small car! When it comes to their length, they're just as impressive, growing anywhere from 10 to 14 feet long. That's about as long as a small family car. And their mouths? They're enormous! When a hippo opens its mouth, it can stretch up to 4 feet wide. That's wide enough for a small child to stand in!

Hippo Babies:

Baby hippos, also known as calves, are incredibly interesting!

Here are some key facts about hippo calves:

1. Birth: A mother hippo typically gives birth to a single calf every two years. Rarely, a mother might have twins. A fascinating aspect of hippo births is that they occur in the water to protect the newborn from falling on hard ground. A newborn hippo needs to swim to the surface to take its first breath!
2. Size at Birth: Hippo calves are quite large, even at birth. They typically weigh between 50 and 110 pounds (23 to 50 kilograms), which is about the size of some large dog breeds!
3. Nursing and Diet: Calves nurse underwater by closing their ears and nostrils to block out water. They start to eat grass at about 3 weeks, but continue nursing for about a year.
4. Development: Hippo calves can walk and swim shortly after birth, and they often ride on their mothers' backs in deep water. They are quite playful and can often be seen jumping and bumping into each other.
5. Mother-Calf Bond: The bond between a mother hippo and her calf is strong. A mother hippo is extremely protective of her baby and will fiercely defend it from any threats. Calves stay close to their mothers for up to four years, during which time they learn all the skills they need to survive in their aquatic environment.
6. Predation: Young hippos, like many baby animals, are more vulnerable to predation than adults. Predators such as crocodiles, lions, and hyenas can pose a threat, especially if the calf strays too far from its mother.

So, while hippo babies may start life in a big way, they still rely on the protection and guidance of their mothers, much like many other creatures in the animal kingdom!

Fun Hippo Facts!

Now that we've covered the basics let's dive into some fun and fascinating facts about hippos:

Hippo Sunscreen

Hippos have a unique way to protect their skin from the hot African sun. They secrete a red, oily substance from their skin that acts like natural sunscreen. This substance is also a potent antiseptic that can heal wounds. Some people call it "blood sweat," but it's not blood or sweat at all!

Fast Runners

Despite their enormous size, hippos are pretty fast on their feet. They can run faster than humans—up to 20 miles per hour. It's a surprising and impressive sight to see such a large creature move so quickly. So remember, if you ever have a chance to challenge a hippo to a race, it might be better to decline politely!

Territorial Animals

Male hippos, known as bulls, are very territorial, especially when they're in water. If they feel their territory is being threatened, they'll open their enormous mouths wide to show

off their large, sharp teeth as a warning to others who might be trespassing. This display is not just for show; male hippos can be very aggressive when defending their space, especially if they're protecting their babies, known as calves.

Underwater Sleepers

Can you imagine sleeping underwater? Hippos can! They have a neat trick where they can sleep underwater and rise to breathe without even waking up. This ability is thanks to an automatic reflex that allows them to bob up, take a breath, and sink back down while still asleep. And, if you're wondering, yes, they also eat and give birth in water!

Baby Hippos

Speaking of babies, let's talk about hippo calves. When they're born, they weigh between 50-110 pounds—that's about the size of a large dog! They can swim before they can walk and have to nurse from their mothers underwater, which is quite an exciting start to life. The bond between a mother hippo and her calf is strong, and she will fiercely protect her baby from any perceived danger.

Long Lives

Hippos have quite a long lifespan for such large creatures. They can live up to 40-50 years, and some in captivity have been known to live even longer. This longevity is due to their generally slow pace of life, good nutrition, and lack of natural predators.

Hippos and Humans

Hippos and humans have a long history together. In ancient Egypt, hippos were both feared and revered. They were seen as symbols of chaos due to their size and aggressive nature but also respected for their strength and fertility.

Today, hippos are a significant part of eco-tourism in Africa. People from all over the world come to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. However, as humans expand their cities and farms, hippos are losing their habitats, leading to more human-hippo conflicts.

Hippos and Conservation

Currently, the common hippo is classified as "Vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This status means that hippos are at risk of becoming endangered unless circumstances improve. Threats to hippos include habitat loss due to human encroachment and illegal hunting for their ivory-like teeth and meat.

Efforts are being made to conserve hippo populations and their habitats. Protected areas have been established where hunting is prohibited, and community education programs are in place to reduce human-hippo conflicts.

Hippopotamus Species

There are two primary species of hippopotamus:

1. Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius): The common hippo, also known simply as the hippopotamus, is the larger of the two species. It's the third-largest type of land mammal after elephants and certain species of rhinoceros. They can be found in a variety of sub-Saharan habitats, as long as there is water deep enough for them to submerge during the hottest part of the day.
2. Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis): The pygmy hippo is a smaller species that lives in the forests and swamps of West Africa, particularly in Liberia, with small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. They are less aquatic than their larger relatives but still depend on water to keep their skin moist and cool.

There were other species of hippopotamuses that are now extinct, including several dwarf species that lived on Mediterranean islands during the Pleistocene epoch. Their small size was an example of insular dwarfism, where large species that end up on islands with limited resources evolve to become smaller.

Wrapping Up

Wow, hippos sure are fascinating, aren't they? With their massive size, semi-aquatic lifestyle, and interesting behaviors, they truly are one of nature's most intriguing creatures. We hope you've learned lots of new things about these amazing animals.

Remember, every animal has its unique place in nature. Hippos, like all creatures, need our help to protect their habitats. So let's always be kind to all animals, big and small, and do our part to ensure they'll be around for future generations to admire and learn from.

Happy exploring, young adventurers!

Hippopotamus Photos

Hippopotamus Activities

Back to Animal Facts