Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
- Where
- African Savanna and Rivers
- Habitat
- Freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands with soft bottoms
- Diet
- Grasses, aquatic plants, and sometimes small animals
- Size
- 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) long, weighing up to 1.5 tons
- Lifespan
- 30-40 years in the wild, 50+ years in captivity
- Conservation
- Vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting for meat and body parts, and human-wildlife conflict
Fun Facts
- Hippopotamuses spend most of their day in water, only coming ashore at night
- Despite appearing slow on land, they can run up to 30 km/h (18.6 mph)
- Their skin secretes a red liquid that acts as sunscreen and antiseptic
Learn More
Hippopotamuses have incredibly powerful jaws capable of crushing turtle shells
They have large teeth for grinding plants, but no upper front teeth
Their eyes, nostrils, and ears are positioned on top of their head to stay hidden underwater