OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaThe hippopotamus is a very big animal with a round body and short legs. Most people call it a hippo for short. Hippos are one of the largest animals in Africa!
Hippos have huge mouths that can open really, really wide. They have thick skin that keeps them safe. Their eyes, ears, and nose are on top of their head so they can see and breathe while sitting in water.
Hippos love to spend most of their day in rivers and lakes to stay cool. They live in Africa near water. At night, hippos come out of the water to eat grass.
- Hippos can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes.
- Even though they look slow, hippos can run faster than most people!
- Baby hippos are born underwater and must be pushed to the surface by their mom to take their first breath.
