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Hippos spend the majority of the day soaking in water or mud to keep their skin moist and bodies cool. When submerged, just their eyes, ears and nostrils stick out of the water so they can still see, hear and smell what’s going on around them. At night, they come out to munch on grass.

baby hippo fritz sticking his head of the water with his mouth open

Did You Know?

Hippos can open their mouths about three times wider than people can.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Hippopotamus amphibius

Habitat:
Grassland, lakes and rivers

Length:
10.5 to 11.5 ft

Lifespan:
35 yrs

Zoo Location:
Africa

Diet:
Grass

Risk Status:
Species@Risk (IUCN—Vulnerable)