Common name: Hippopotamus
Scientific name: Hippopotamus amphibius
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
At the zoo: Sisters Hazina (21y) and Habey (19y); you usually find them in their large pond near the east end of the zoo.
Habitat:
Hippos are native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Being semi-aquatic, hippos must live near a water source and are typically found near rivers and shallow lakes.
Diet:
Hippos graze overnight on grasses and low hanging fruit. They can do so for up to 6 hours.
Median Life Expectancy:
36 years
Biology:
Hippos are the third largest land mammal after elephants and rhinos. Their eyes, nose and ears are located at the top of their heads in order for them to be almost completely submerged underwater. Their nose and ears can close shut while under water to keep water out and they have a special film over their eyes that serves as protection underwater, almost like goggles.
Hippos are social animals that live in herds of tens to hundreds. Males are very protective over females and calves and will often attack anything that poses a threat to the herd. Females mate every other year and usually give birth to one offspring after an average gestation period of 8 months. Females share a close bond with their young who are born with adaptations to nurse underwater, including the ability to fold their ears and close their nostrils.
Threats of habitat loss and human conflict, including unregulated hunting, pose challenges to hippopotamus conservation efforts.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that adult hippos can hold their breath from 5-30 minutes at a time!?
