Hippos are amazing animals that live in Africa.

They are the second largest land animal on Earth, after

elephants. They can weigh up to 4.5 tons and measure up to 16.5 feet long. They have thick, waterproof
skin that protects them from the sun and germs. They also have huge mouths with long, curved canines
that can reach 20 inches. They use these teeth for fighting and defending their territory.

Hippos spend most of their time in water, such as rivers, lakes, and mangroves. They can't swim or float,
but they can walk or run on the bottom of the water. They can hold their breath for up to five minutes
and close their ears and nostrils when submerged. They come out of the water at night to graze on
grass. They can eat up to 35 kg of grass in one night.

Hippos live in groups of about 10 to 20 individuals, led by a dominant male. The male hippos are very
protective of their group and will display their teeth and make loud noises to warn off rivals. Female
hippos, called cows, give birth every two years, usually to a single calf. The calves join their mothers in
the water soon after birth and stay with them for protection.

Hippos are fascinating creatures that have many adaptations for living in water and on land. They are
herbivores, but they are also very powerful and dangerous animals. They are considered vulnerable by
the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting.