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Hippo Lakes...
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)...
The Hippopotamus or ‘river horse’ live in large herds typically comprising of females, nursing young and a dominant mature bull. As the name implies, they live in water during the day emerging to graze for 5/6 hours at night. Ideally suited to this aquatic life they have ears, eyes and nostrils situated high on the head enabling them to function almost totally submerged. They can stay submerged typically for about 1 - 5 minutes.
A further important feature is the glands below the skin surface which secrete a pink fluid, impenetrable by ultra violet radiation, giving protection against the sun, pollution and infection. The characteristic ‘yawning’ is in fact an aggressive gesture, a warning or a prelude to a fight.
Although they appear quite friendly they are highly dangerous when aroused or separated from the water. It is said that they are responsible for more human death's in Africa than any other animal.
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Help to pay for the care, feeding and general well-being of an animal for 12 months, plus you will also receive a special Adopt a Buddy Pack. |
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