Hippos are fast. Very fast. I knew this, but had never seen one running before. They can top out at about 30 miles per hour — faster than a human. Pretty amazing considering that they are the second largest land mammal next to the elephant. We saw this guy darting through the grass first thing in the morning, just outside of our camp. The oxpeckers were doing their best to keep up the pace.
Sean,
I looked up hippo on Wikapedia because I wanted to know how heavy these animals got.
They get as heavy as 3 tons.
They also stated that hippos have been clocked at 30 kph or 19 mph for short distances, so your statement that they can run 30 mph might not be accurate.
Thanks Richard, I did a search and it seems a bunch of sources, including a few city zoo websites are saying 30 mph. I also saw a few that say 18/20 so who knows. Either way, this guy was fast.
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He looks like a home heating oil tank on legs!
Sean,
I looked up hippo on Wikapedia because I wanted to know how heavy these animals got.
They get as heavy as 3 tons.
They also stated that hippos have been clocked at 30 kph or 19 mph for short distances, so your statement that they can run 30 mph might not be accurate.
Loved the picture.
Richard Bush
Thanks Richard, I did a search and it seems a bunch of sources, including a few city zoo websites are saying 30 mph. I also saw a few that say 18/20 so who knows. Either way, this guy was fast.
Whatever. I wouldn’t want to get hit by this guy. Regardless of how fast it is. :-)))
Am I mistaken or this guy is smiling for you? 😉