There’s something oddly satisfying about watching a hippo chomp down on a watermelon. The way their massive jaws crush the fruit in one bite is both mesmerizing and a little terrifying. But why do hippos seem to love watermelons so much? The answer lies in their natural diet, their strong jaws, and the way they consume food.
A Perfect Snack for a Grass Eater
Hippos are herbivores, meaning they primarily eat plants. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of grass, but they will occasionally munch on fruit when available.
Watermelons are not a part of their natural diet, but they mimic the texture and moisture content of some wild fruits hippos might eat in their native African habitat.
The soft, juicy interior is easy for them to crush, and the sweetness is likely enjoyable, even though hippos don’t have the same taste preferences as humans.
Built for Crushing
One of the most fascinating things about hippos eating watermelons is how effortlessly they destroy them. A hippo’s bite force measures around 1,800 psi (pounds per square inch), one of the strongest of any land animal.
Their massive, tusk-like teeth and powerful jaws allow them to snap bones, break canoes, and—yes—obliterate watermelons in a single chomp. The satisfying crunch we see when they bite into a watermelon is simply a display of their natural jaw strength.
High Water Content Keeps Them Hydrated
Watermelons are made up of about 90% water, making them an excellent hydration source. While hippos spend most of their time in the water, they still need to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
In captivity, zookeepers sometimes offer watermelons as enrichment, providing both hydration and a fun treat for the hippos.
A Fun Enrichment Treat
In zoos and wildlife parks, keepers often introduce different foods to keep animals mentally and physically engaged. Watermelons are a great choice for hippos because they are safe, nutritious, and fun to eat.
Watching a hippo crush a watermelon is also an entertaining sight for visitors, making it a win-win situation.
While hippos don’t need watermelons to survive, they certainly seem to enjoy them. Whether it’s the juicy texture, the hydration boost, or just the fun of smashing something with their powerful jaws, these massive creatures make eating watermelons look like an art form.