Hippo Day

Hippo Day is February 15th

What is it about Hippos that we love so much? Hippopotamuses are huge, aggressive animals that live in Africa water areas spending more time in shallow waters than out. Our love of hippos comes more from caricatures and animations than the actual animal itself. But this media has brought an appreciation for the animal and this is the day to celebrate the hippo and appreciate what makes it such a cool animal. 

How many “H” words can you say before Hippos?

Fun Facts About Hippos

• Hippos are the third largest land mammal
• Hippos are semi-aquatic animals; resemblance to pigs but closest relatives are dolphins
• They spend most of their day in water, they secrete red oily liquid to help protect them from getting sunburnt
• They may be slow, but they are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa
• Hippos play an important role in the world - beneficial to the fish population
• They sleep underwater, but resurface without waking every 5 minutes
• They are territorial in water, and really only run in water not swim
• They eat 68 kg of grass daily

Fun Fact: Born on January 24, 2017, Fiona is the first Nile Hippo to be born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 75 years. She arrived 6 weeks premature and is the smallest hippo ever to survive.

How to Celebrate Hippo Day

• Visit zoos or sanctuaries for Hippos
• Donate to Hippo non-profit organizations
• Learn about Hippos: museums, libraries, lectures
• Post pictures of Hippos, #nationalhippoday

Hip Hip Hooray for Hippos!