The common hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius, presents a stark contrast between its seemingly docile appearance while submerged in African waterways and its true temperament on land. This semi-aquatic mammal is consistently ranked among the most dangerous animals on the continent due to its unpredictable and territorial nature. The question of whether a baby hippo is “friendly” is an implicit inquiry into its safety for humans. The short answer is unequivocally no; understanding why requires a look into the instinctual behavior of wild megafauna.
Defining Behavioral Temperament in Wildlife
The term “friendly” implies an affectionate bond, a concept that does not apply to the survival-driven instincts of a wild animal. Wild megafauna, such as the hippopotamus, operate almost entirely on territoriality, self-preservation, and reproductive drive. Their behavioral responses to an outside presence, especially a human, are rooted in threat assessment, not social engagement.
A wild animal’s tolerance for humans often results from habituation, where repeated, non-threatening exposure causes the animal to lose its natural fear response. This is distinct from friendship and primarily occurs in captive settings or highly urbanized environments. In the wild, an approaching human is not viewed as a potential friend but as a potential predator or a territorial threat. Hippos rely on defense as a primary mechanism to deter any perceived danger, a reaction that can be sudden and violent.
Early Development and Vulnerability of Hippo Calves
A hippo calf’s behavior is centered on survival, requiring it to remain near its mother for safety and sustenance. The calves are born in the water, often in shallow areas, after a gestation period of about eight months, weighing approximately 45 kilograms at birth. For the first few months of life, the calf is vulnerable to natural predators such as crocodiles, lions, and hyenas.
The calf has adaptations that enable its aquatic existence, including the ability to close its nostrils and ears when submerged. It even nurses underwater, pushing against the mother to suckle milk. When resting, the calf often climbs onto its mother’s back or neck, keeping its head above the water.
This constant proximity to the mother can make a calf appear quiet or docile to an observer. The initial months are characterized by rapid growth, with the calf beginning to graze on grass around one month of age. However, it continues to rely on its mother’s milk for up to six to eight months. Any perceived docility is simply the behavior of a physically vulnerable animal.
The Critical Role of Maternal Protection
The vulnerability and dependent behavior of the calf are precisely why approaching one is hazardous. The mother hippo is protective of her young, and her aggressive maternal instinct is the greatest source of danger to any intruder. Hippos are territorial in the water, and they view any encroachment on their space or their calf as an immediate threat.
A mother hippo will respond to a perceived danger with a swift, powerful, and often lethal charge. Despite their size, common hippos can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour on land over short distances. Their main weapons are their jaws and lower canines, which can grow to over 30 centimeters in length.
The mother’s instinct is strong; hippos have been documented aggressively attacking small boats, sometimes mistaking them for crocodiles, which are known predators of young calves. Estimates suggest that hippos are responsible for hundreds of human fatalities each year in Africa, largely due to their territorial and protective aggression.