Every year on February 15th, we take a moment to celebrate World Hippo Day—a day dedicated to appreciating one of the most fascinating and misunderstood animals on the planet. From the ancient banks of the Nile to the remote rivers and lakes of South Africa, these semi-aquatic animals might look adorable and slow, but don’t be fooled! Hippos (short for “Hippopotamus”) are full of surprises.
Here are some fun and interesting facts about the the world’s third-largest land mammal that might just change the way you see them.
1. Hippos Are Often Referred to as River Horses
The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a semi-aquatic mammal often referred to as a “river horse” because of their fondness for freshwater habitats. This nickname comes from the Greek words hippos (“horse”) and potamós (“river”). However, Hippos are actually more closely related to whales and dolphins than to horses.
2. There Are Two Species of Hippos
There are two species of hippopotamus: the Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), found across sub-Saharan Africa, and the Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis), which is much smaller and native to West Africa. While the common hippo can weigh up to 3,200 kg (7,000 lbs), pygmy hippos rarely exceed 275 kg (600 lbs).
Sadly, the Nile hippopotamus, once a common sight along Egypt’s stretch of the river, is now extinct.
3. Hippos Are Surprisingly Fast
Despite their bulky bodies, hippos can run up to 30 km/h (18 mph) on land for short distances. In the water, they don’t technically swim but propel themselves by pushing off the riverbed using their powerful legs. Their agility both in and out of the water makes them formidable creatures.
4. They Produce Their Own Sunscreen
Hippos secrete a natural substance that acts as sunscreen! This reddish, oily secretion, often called “blood sweat,” helps protect their skin from the sun’s harsh rays and has antibacterial properties that prevent infections and wounds from getting worse in their often-muddy habitat.
Also Read: Why Hippos Aren’t Part of Africa’s Big Five
5. Their Yawns Are a Warning
If you see a hippo yawning, don’t assume it’s just sleepy. Hippos use wide-open mouths as a territorial display, warning potential threats to stay away. Their powerful jaws can open to nearly 150 degrees, revealing massive tusks that can grow up to 50 cm (20 inches) long.
6. Hippos Are One of Africa’s Most Dangerous Animals
Though they may look gentle, hippos are responsible for more human fatalities in Africa than lions or crocodiles. Their powerful jaws, territorial nature, and aggressive temperament make them a force to be reckoned with. They are known to capsize small boats and charge at perceived threats with incredible speed.
7. They Communicate Underwater
Hippos are social creatures that communicate through a range of vocalisations, including grunts, bellows, and even ultrasonic sounds that travel underwater. Scientists are still studying these underwater vocalisations, which may help them coordinate group movements and establish dominance in their pods.
8. They Can Hold Their Breath for Several Minutes
Hippos can stay submerged for up to 5-6 minutes at a time, closing their nostrils and ears to keep water out. Even when sleeping in the water, they instinctively rise to the surface to breathe without waking up. These large mammals can spend up to 16 hours a day submerged in water.
9. They Are Closely Related to Whales
Despite their appearance, hippos share a common ancestor with whales and dolphins. Scientists believe they diverged from a shared ancestor around 55 million years ago. This connection explains their semi-aquatic lifestyle and some of their adaptations for life in the water.
10. Baby Hippos Are Born Underwater
When it’s time to give birth, mother hippos retreat to the water, where their calves are born and take their first breaths before surfacing. The calves stay close to their mothers for protection, often resting on their backs while navigating the water. The gestation period for a hippo is about eight months which is incredible if you take into account that baby hippos can weigh up to 50kg (110 lbs) at birth.
11. They Eat Mostly Grass
Hippos are one of the largest land-based herbivores in the world, exceeded in size only by the elephant and some species of rhino. Although they spend most of their time in water, hippos graze on land at night, consuming up to 40 kg (88 lbs) of grass in one feeding session. Despite their large size, they maintain a diet primarily consisting of short grasses, and they rarely eat aquatic plants.
12. Pod Dynamics and Social Structure
Hippos live in groups called “pods”, which can consist of up to 30 individuals, led by a dominant male (bull). The dominant male defends his territory and females (cows), while younger males and subordinates stay on the fringes of the group. Social interactions include play-fighting, vocalisations, and affectionate nudging among pod members.
13. Hippos Can Live for Decades
In the wild, hippos have an average lifespan of 40 to 50 years, but in captivity, they can live even longer—some reaching their late 50s. Their longevity is influenced by environmental factors, predators and human activity.
14. The Conservation Status of Hippos
The common hippo is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and poaching. Pygmy hippos, however, are Endangered, with fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts are crucial in protecting these species from further decline.
15. Habitat and Distribution
Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and swamps across sub-Saharan Africa. They require ample water to keep their bodies cool during the day and move onto land to graze at night. Human encroachment and deforestation threaten their natural habitats, making conservation efforts vital to their survival.
The Importance of Hippopotamus Conservation
Despite their strength and adaptability, hippos face significant threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. As human populations grow, their natural habitats shrink due to agriculture, dam construction, and encroaching development. Poaching for their meat and ivory-like teeth also poses a serious risk to hippo populations.
Several conservation efforts are in place to protect these incredible creatures, including protected reserves, anti-poaching initiatives, and habitat restoration projects. Raising awareness about their ecological importance and the threats they face is crucial for ensuring their survival.
Celebrate World Hippo Day!
This World Hippo Day, take a moment to appreciate these unique and powerful animals. Whether through conservation efforts, spreading awareness, or simply sharing fun hippo facts, every little bit helps to protect these magnificent creatures for future generations!
Join us at Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa in celebrating World Hippo day on the 15th of February.
