Fascinating Facts About Hippos

While the Eastern Cape is not commonly associated with hippos today, its landscapes — from the rivers like the Kowie to the Albany district and Sunshine Coast — hold a history intertwined with these iconic animals. Once widespread across South Africa, hippos were reintroduced to Buffalo Kloof in 2017 as part of a the conservation effort to restore ecological balance.

These “ecosystem engineers” play a vital role in shaping the environment around them, bringing back dynamics that had been missing for generations.

Hippos, or hippopotamuses, are one of Africa’s most captivating creatures. Known for their impressive size and semi-aquatic way of life, they are one of the most interesting animals to observe.

Hippos are among the largest land mammals, with adults typically weighing between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds (1,360 to 1,814 kilograms). Despite their size, they are surprisingly nimble, capable of running up to 19 miles per hour (30 km/h) on land over short distances.

Hippos are known for their unique sleeping habits; they can even sleep underwater! A reflex allows them to bob up for a breath and sink back down without waking up. This fascinating adaptation enables them to rest while remaining safe from potential threats.

Despite being well-adapted to life in the water, hippos cannot swim or float. Their dense bodies keep them grounded, so they move by pushing off the riverbed or performing a slow-motion “gallop.” This method allows them to navigate rivers and lakes effectively.

Hippos spend a significant portion of their day submerged in water to keep cool under the African sun. They can hold their breath for up to five minutes while swimming and have a unique ability to close their ears and nostrils when submerged.

Male hippos are known to be highly territorial, especially in water. They often establish dominance through vocalizations, displays of aggression, and physical confrontations, which can be quite fierce. Hippos are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large animal, highlighting their potential danger.

Hippos communicate using a variety of sounds, including grunts, wheezes, and bellows. These vocalizations can be heard both in and out of the water, and they play a crucial role in establishing social structures within their groups.

Despite their large size, hippos are herbivores. They primarily graze on grasses at night, consuming around 80 pounds (36 kg) of vegetation per day. Their digestive systems are efficient, allowing them to extract the necessary nutrients from their fibrous diet.

Hippo skin is incredibly thick, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) in some areas. While it appears smooth, it contains a network of sweat glands that secrete a natural sunscreen, often referred to as “blood sweat.” This secretion helps protect their skin from sunburn and has antimicrobial properties.

Hippos are not only fascinating for their size and behaviour, but they also play a vital role in their ecosystems. At Buffalo Kloof, we’re privileged to witness these incredible animals roaming the Kowie & Bloukraans River, enriching the biodiversity of the Eastern Cape.

Understanding and appreciating the unique traits of hippos underscores the importance of conservation efforts and our commitment to protecting Africa’s wildlife.