Hippos in Serengeti
Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania is one of the most popular safari destination for most travelers and tourists. It attracts all kind of wildlife animals and beautiful & colorful birds migrating from different parts of the world. Many herds cross to Serengeti looking for pastures and breeding grounds and it is during this migration animals have to cross crocodile infested rivers. It is in these rivers where you were find the largest residents, Hippopotamus of Serengeti basking under the sun in this muddy waters flashing their powerful jaws keeping enemies at bay.
Quick Facts About Hippopotamus of Serengeti
Where do hippos live?
Hippos are live in Sub-Saharan African spending most of their days submerged in water keeping their skin cool and moist. According to National Geographic, Hippos spend upwards of 16 hrs per day in water. Majority of Hippos populations are in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya, north through to Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan, west to The Gambia, and south to South Africa.
Hippos are herbivores?
Hippos are considered to be herbivores consuming mainly plants. They will eat fruits if available, they do enjoy watermelons but for the most part their diet consists of short grass.
Are Hippos Endangered?
Yes, according to African Wildlife Foundation the conservation status of hippos is vulnerable being pushed to extinct because of rising demand of their teeth, skin, and meat. The unregulated hunting and poaching has driven the number of live hippos down to about 140,000.
How many babies do hippos have?
Hippos have a gestation period of 8 months. Nomarly mother hippo gives birth to one baby at a time.
Are hippos dangerous?
Yes, hippos are dangerous and aggressive creatures with power jaws accompanied by very sharp teeth. Every year hippos are responsible for more than 3000 deaths.
What is hippos lifespan?
In the wild hippos live up to 40 – 50 years but in captivity hippos can live past 50 years. Donna the hippo was the oldest hippo know, she died at the age of 61 at the Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville, Indiana in 2012.
