Hippos

1.   “Hippopotamus” comes from two
Greek words that mean “river horse.” However, hippos are more closely related to pigs than to horses.

2.   Hippos’ toes are webbed, which helps them paddle through the water.

3.   A hippo is 12 to 15 feet (4 to 5 meters) long and weighs from 5,000
to 8,000 pounds (2,300 to 3,600 kilograms).

4.   Baby hippos are born underwater.
They can swim almost from the
minute they’re born.

5.   Hippopotamuses are aggressive, they do not fear humans, and are considered one of Africa’s more dangerous animals.

6.   Lions, crocodiles, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs often kill baby hippos, but adult hippos are rarely attacked.

7.   The only land animals larger than hippos are elephants and rhinoceroses.

8.   A hippo’s tail is about 22 inches (56 centimeters) long.

9.   Hippos eat only vegetation—grasses and water plants.

10.  Baby hippos are called calves. They often nurse underwater.