The blue whale and the African elephant are the only two mammals in the world that are larger than the hippopotamus. The word "hippo" translates to river horse in ancient Greek.
These humongous herbivores weigh in at a whopping six thousand pounds! There is only one continent in the world you can find a hippo. That continent is Africa.
Hippos are native to over thirty countries in Africa. These herbivores live up to fifty years in the wild.
There are only two species of hippos on the planet. These include the common hippopotamus and the pygmy hippopotamus.
There are only two species of hippos on the planet. These include the common hippopotamus and the pygmy hippopotamus.
Here are some more interesting facts about the hippopotamus:
- • They secrete an oily red substance on their skin, which acts as sunblock and a moisturizer.
- • Hippos spend up to sixteen hours a day submerged in water but have to come up every five minutes for air.
- • Mother hippos give birth to their babies in the water.
- • Baby hippos weigh about one hundred pounds.
- • Female hippos give birth to one calf every two years.
- • Even though hippos don’t look fast, they can run up to nineteen miles per hour!
- • Hippos consume nearly one hundred and fifty pounds of grass in a four to five hour grazing period.
- • Hippos are the most aggressive animals in the world and kill five hundred humans a year.
Predators of the hippo include hyenas, lions, and crocodiles. Unfortunately, humans have also become a primary predator.
While some hunt hippos for their meat, others hunt them for ivory canine teeth. The demand for hippopotamus teeth escalated after the ban on the international trade of elephant ivory in 1989.
Despite recent efforts to ban the trade of hippopotamus teeth, the animal is classified as vulnerable.
Through the years, the most significant decline in the hippo population has occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire).
HOW TO OBSERVE
Many zoos, wildlife organizations, and conservation groups hold events to celebrate the hippo and educate the public on this amazing mammal. To participate:
- • Learn more about the hippo.
- • Donate to an organization, such as the African Wildlife Foundation that is trying to preserve the hippo.
- • Find pictures and fun facts about hippos on the internet and share them on social media.
- • If your zoo has a hippo exhibit, go check it out.
- • Watch videos or a documentary about hippos.
- • Play the board game, Hungry Hungry Hippos.
Whatever you do, use #WorldHippoDay when sharing on social media.
HISTORY
The research team at National Day Calendar® is still trying to find the exact origin of this day.
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