Hi
,
On our recent trip to South Africa, we saw hippos up and out of the water. In this case, they were young males playing with each other and learning to spar. One day, it could be deadly!
Anyway, we don't normally see hippos like this - it's usually just the tops of their heads that are visible. Hippos are not considered one of the "Big 5", though they certainly are one of the "big deadly" creatures! They are truly uniquely designed by God in some fascinating ways. Here are a few interesting facts:
1. Hippos are territorial only in the water,
where they spend most of their time.
2. Hippos need to surface every 3-5 minutes to breathe. This process is automatic, and even a hippo that is sleeping underwater will rise and breathe without waking!
3. When hippos bask on the shoreline, they secrete an oily, red substance. This is actually a skin moistener and sunblock, which also
protects against germs.
4. Hippos are extremely dangerous creatures, and it is generally accepted that they are the most dangerous mammal in Africa to humans.
5. The only land animals larger than a hippo are the elephant, and in some cases, the white rhino.
6. Hippos cannot swim or float! They walk or stand on surfaces below the water, like sandbanks.
7. Hippos can live up to 40 years. They can run at about 18 miles per hour on land. They forage up to 6 miles, mostly at night, eating grass.
8. Hippos can close their nostrils and ears to prevent water from entering
while submerged. This enables babies to suckle on land or underwater!
9. The eyes, nose, and ears of the hippo are all located on the top of the head. This enables them to see, breathe and hear clearly while mostly submerged.
