Hippopotamuses, also known as hippos, are some of the most fascinating and unique creatures in the animal kingdom. These massive herbivores are known for their size, strength, and distinct appearance. Despite their intimidating presence, hippos are surprisingly agile and have a variety of interesting behaviors and adaptations. So, let’s take a dive into the world of hippos with 20 hippopotamus facts that will leave you amazed and intrigued!
1-5 Fun Facts About Hippos
1. Native to Africa, hippos rank as the third largest land mammals in the world, with only elephants and white rhinos out-sizing them in the animal kingdom.
2. The name “hippopotamus” derives from the Greek words “hippos” and “potamus,” which roughly translates to “river horse” in English.
3. Despite their hefty size, hippos are surprisingly strong swimmers, capable of holding their breath for up to five minutes at a time. This feat earned them the title “river horse”!
4. Despite their intimidating size and strength, hippos are actually herbivores and subsist primarily on a diet of grass – as much as 80 pounds per night!
5. The gestation period for a hippo is approximately eight months (or 243 days), and newborn hippos – or calves – typically weigh between 30 to 50 pounds.
6-10 Crazy Facts About Hippos
6. One of the most fascinating things about hippos is their ability to identify friends and foes by sniffing out their dung. These clever creatures use special areas called middens to go to the bathroom, and then return later to sniff out who’s been there before.
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7. Hippos are creatures of the night, preferring to be active after the sun goes down and avoiding the harsh daytime heat.
8. Following the death of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, the four hippos he had kept as pets began to breed and multiply, eventually becoming an invasive species in Colombia.
9. Hippos make their home in sub-Saharan Africa, where the intense UV rays of the sun can be harmful. In response, they have developed a unique adaptation: a red, oily liquid that acts as a natural sunscreen.
10. It’s a common misconception that hippos sweat blood – in fact, the red liquid they produce is simply a type of sweat that helps keep them cool and hydrated.
11-15 Shocking Facts About Hippos
11. Hippos may not look much like whales, but these two animals are actually closely related. In fact, they share a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago.
12. You might be surprised to learn that hippopotamus milk is actually pink in color! It is because it contains a high concentration of a special-protein that gives it a rosy hue.
13. When young Owen the hippopotamus was separated from his mother, he found an unlikely new friend in a 130-year-old tortoise. The two formed a strong bond and became inseparable companions.
14. Hippos may look slow and heavy, but they can actually run up to 30 km/h over short distances, making them faster than most humans.
15. Sadly, the hippo population is in decline, with the IUCN listing them as vulnerable since 2008, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
16-20 Interesting Facts About Hippos
16. Hippos can cause ecological damage to their habitats, as their defecation in water bodies can lead to oxygen depletion and fish death due to bacteria using up oxygen.
17. In a strange twist, President Roosevelt once supported a plan to introduce hippos to Louisiana to control invasive plant species and provide a new food source for Americans.
18. Believe it or not, the little girl who sang “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” actually got one through a newspaper campaign. She generously donated it to a local zoo, where it lived for an impressive 47 years.
19. Hippos can live up to 40 years in the wild, but in captivity, they may live even longer and reach up to 50 years old.
20. Surprisingly, hippos are responsible for more human deaths each year than sharks, lions, and bears combined, making them one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Fun Facts About Hippos For Kids.
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