Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus are nocturnal feeders, emerging from their pools at dusk and feeding in the cool, moist night air. These large herbivores follow the same paths each night and graze by cutting grasses with their broad lips. At dawn, they return to the water where they spend most of the day. If the weather is suitable hippopotamus will also bask in the sun on land or in mud wallows. Males weigh up to 3 tonnes and females up to 1.4 tonnes.

Hippopotamus are aggressive, unpredictable and easily enraged. Females are social, living in groups and helping look after each other’s calves. Males are fiercely territorial, and are more innately aggressive than other species. They mark their territory by flicking their tails while defecating, spreading their scent as far as possible. Males fight over females during breeding season, and over water space constantly.

Hippopotamus, especially the males, have large ivory tusks jutting upwards from their lower jaw. These are fighting teeth, while teeth for grinding food are located at the back of the jaws.

Did you know?

  • The hippopotamus’ closest living relatives are whales and dolphins!
  • Hippopotamus are virtually hairless and have a thin top layer of skin, so moisture loss in dry air is greater than for other animals. Staying in water prevents dehydration.
  • They can run at speeds of 30km per hour, but only for very short bursts.
  • Hippopotamus ooze a pinkish fluid when they are in the sun, and this acts as a sunscreen.

Our Hippos

  • Harold - (male) dob March 1978.
  • Brindabella - (female) dob Dec 1990
  • Primrose - (female) dob December 1990
  • Tulip - (female) dob 1 January 2003.
Class
Mammalia
Order

Artiodactyla

Family

Hippopotamidae

Species Name

Hippopotamus amphibious

Status

Vulnerable