Hippo Fun Facts

      - Hippopotamus means “river horse” in Greek.

      - Hippos are third largest living land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos. 

      - Hippos can weigh up to 8,000 lbs.

      - Hippos are social animals.

      - Hippos are herbivores (plant-eaters).

      - Hippos are nocturnal (most active at night).  They spend the day resting and staying
          cool in water or mud, emerging from the water at night to graze on grass.

      - Hippos are semi-aquatic, spending much of their time in water.

      - A hippo’s nose, ears and eyes are on top of its head and protrude from the water 
         while the rest of its head and body lie beneath the surface.

      - Hippo sweat acts as a sunscreen, sunblock and antibiotic.

      - Hippos run very fast (faster than a human).  They can run up to 14 miles per hour.

      - Hippos can open their mouths 4 feet wide.

      - Hippos average lifespan is 45 years.

      - A hippo’s foot has 4 webbed toes.  

      - Hippos are gray in color with a pink belly.

      - A hippo’s tail is short and shaped like a paddle.