Hippos may look like slow-moving giants, but they are full of surprises. These massive creatures, often seen lounging in rivers or lakes, are among the most fascinating animals on Earth. Despite their gentle appearance, they are powerful, territorial, and incredibly well-adapted to their environment.
Here are ten amazing facts about hippos that will change the way you see them!
1. Hippos Are the Third-Largest Land Mammals
Only elephants and certain rhino species are larger than hippos. Adult male hippos, also called bulls, can weigh between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds, while females are slightly smaller. Some of the largest hippos ever recorded have reached over 9,000 pounds!
2. They Can Hold Their Breath for Five Minutes
Hippos spend most of their lives in the water, but they still need to breathe air. When submerged, they can hold their breath for about five minutes before coming up for air. Interestingly, they do this without waking up—when they sleep underwater, their bodies instinctively rise to the surface to take a breath and then sink back down.
3. Their Skin Secretes a Natural Sunscreen
A hippo’s thick, hairless skin is sensitive to the sun, so their bodies produce a special oily secretion often called “blood sweat.” Though it’s not actually blood, this red-tinted liquid helps protect them from sunburn and keeps their skin moisturized. It even has antibacterial properties that help prevent infections.
4. Hippos Are Surprisingly Fast
Despite their bulky size, hippos can run at speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km/h) on land for short distances. That’s faster than most humans! In the water, they don’t technically swim but instead push off the riverbed and glide, moving with remarkable agility.
5. They Have Incredibly Strong Jaws
A hippo’s bite is one of the most powerful in the animal kingdom, measuring around 1,800 psi (pounds per square inch). That’s more than three times the bite force of a lion! Their massive tusk-like teeth can easily crush bones and even snap a small boat in half.
6. Hippos Are Not Herbivores—At Least Not Always
Although hippos primarily eat grass, there have been reports of them scavenging meat, including carcasses of other animals. While this is rare and not their usual diet, some researchers believe they may do this in extreme situations, like droughts, when food is scarce.
7. They Are One of Africa’s Most Dangerous Animals
Hippos might seem docile, but they are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than lions, crocodiles, or elephants. They are highly territorial, especially in the water, and will attack boats or people who get too close. With their immense speed and powerful bite, they are not to be underestimated.
8. Baby Hippos Are Born Underwater
Female hippos give birth underwater, and newborns must swim to the surface immediately for their first breath. These babies, weighing around 50-100 pounds at birth, will stay close to their mothers for protection, often resting on their backs in deep water.
9. They Communicate Using Grunts, Bellows, and Underwater Calls
Hippos are social animals that live in groups called pods, which can contain up to 30 individuals. They communicate through a range of sounds, including grunts, bellows, and even underwater vocalizations that humans can’t hear. Scientists believe they may even use echolocation!
10. They Are Related to Whales
Believe it or not, hippos are the closest living relatives of whales and dolphins. Millions of years ago, they shared a common ancestor before evolving in different directions. Today, despite their differences, hippos and whales share unique biological traits, like giving birth in water and having similar lung structures.
Hippos are far more than just big, water-loving mammals. From their hidden strength to their surprising speed, they are some of nature’s most remarkable creatures. Next time you see one, remember—there’s a lot more to hippos than meets the eye!