How long do hippopotamuses live?

Hippopotamuses have a relatively long life expectancy. Namely, according to official statistics, their lifespan is between 40 and 50 years. Of course, just like in the case of other wild animals, their lifespan depends on their habitat.

Hippopotamuses life span

How long do hippos live in the wild?

If they are living in the wilderness, they have a shorter life expectancy of around 30 years.

Experts suggest that one reason for this is that hippos in the wilderness leave shorter lives is he fact that they are attacked by other animals. However, these attacks are happening only when the hippos are still young.

Lions, crocodiles, and few other animals sometimes attack baby hippos. These frequent deaths lower their life expectancy. But, when hippopotamuses are fully grown they have only two enemies: humans and other hippos.

How long do hippos live in captivity?

On the other hand, hippos that live in captivity can easily reach 50 years. As a matter of fact, the oldest hippopotamus on record was known as Tanga and she died when she was 61 years old. She spent most of her life in captivity in Germany.

Of course, when they are kept in captivity (usually in zoos or some special sanctuaries), hippos receive all the nutrients they need. That’s why their life expectancy is extended for 30-40%.

While we are talking about hippopotamuses in captivity it is also good to mention that some studies suggest that hippos are less stressed in captivity, but only if the environment is pleasant. This means that they know that they cannot be targeted by other animals and that’s why they are peaceful.

Needless to say, hippos can get ill and since they can’t get proper treatment, they die younger. When they are in captivity they get all the necessary treatments that can extend their lives and help them solve the problem.

Related posts: How long do elephants live? | How long do rhinos live? | How long do giraffes live?

Where do hippos live?

Hippos naturally live in East Africa.

What do hippos eat?

These incredible animals are herbivores. What is interesting is that they can eat between 100 and 150 pounds of vegetation on a daily basis.

One of the main factors that affect the lifespan of hippos is their diet. However, it is very difficult to find amounts of food in their natural habitats every day. When they don’t eat sufficient amount of food, they have problems with nutrients. This problem eventually speeds up the aging process and leaves consequences on many bodily systems in these animals.

How much do hippos measure?

They can grow up to a height of 5.2 feet just from hooves to shoulders and 10.8 to 16.5 feet long.

How much do hippos weigh?

According to Animal Planet, they are the third largest living land mammals after elephants and white rhinos. For the female, it weighs about 3,000 lbs., while the males weigh up to about 9,920 lbs. These facts on weight are as according to the San Diego Zoo.

Curiosities and facts about hippopotamuses

Origin of the name hippopotamus

In case you didn’t know, the term hippopotamus comes from the Greek language, meaning river horse.

Attacks on humans

They are one of the largest land animals in the world and, contrary to popular belief, they are quite ill-tempered. According to official statistics, hippopotamuses kill more people than any wild animal. The main reason is that they are very territorial animals and they will defend their territory at all costs.

In danger of extinction

Unfortunately, humans are continuously reducing their natural habitat making hippos very vulnerable.

Cultural depictions

People have always been fascinated by these animals and they were one of the most respected animals in Ancient Egypt.