Hippo Facts and Trivia

Hippos, short for hippopotamuses, are fascinating mammals native to Africa. They are warm-blooded, have few hairs, and possess sensory whiskers. Mother hippos nurse their young with milk. They spend most of their time submerged in water to stay cool and can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes. Despite appearing slow, hippos can outrun humans on land. At night, they graze, consuming around 80 pounds of grass.

What is a unique feature of hippos that helps them sense their environment?

• Their long tails

• Their thick skin

• Their large ears

• Their sensory whiskers

Why do hippos spend a lot of time in water?

• To hunt for fish

• To socialize with other hippos

• To avoid predators

• To stay cool in the hot climate

How long can hippos hold their breath underwater?

• 5 minutes

• 3 minutes

• 10 minutes

• 2 minutes

What is a surprising fact about hippos when they are on land?

• They can climb trees

• They can dig deep holes

• They can fly short distances

• They can outrun humans

How much grass do hippos typically consume in one night?

• 20 lb

• 50 lb

• 80 lb

• 100 lb