Facts about Hippos
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Herbivore
LIFE SPAM: Up to 40 years
SIZE: Head and body 2.8 to 4.2 m; tail 35 to 50 centimetres.
WEIGHT: 2,268 to 3,692 kg
HABITAT: The hippopotamus is semi-aquatic, inhabiting rivers and lakes. The school will remain in the water and mud throughout the day to cool down. At dusk they will emerge to graze on grass.
RANGE: Eastern central and southern sub-Sahara Africa. Scientific name: Hippopotamus Amphibious.
The name Hippopotamus comes from the ancient Greek river horse.
Despite its stocky shape and small legs, it can easily outrun most humans. Hippos have been clocked at 30km/h over short distances.
Hippopotamuses live in groups of 10-30 with one dominate male.
Hippopotamuses have one baby at a time either on land or underwater. After a few weeks the baby emerges from the water and starts to eat grass.
Hippopotamuses are pregnant for eight months.