The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is one of the largest land mammals in Africa. These enormous semi-aquatic animals spend much of their day submerged in rivers and lakes. The size of a newborn calf sets the stage for the rapid growth required to reach such colossal proportions, providing a factual starting point for appreciating this animal’s unique life cycle.
Initial Size and Weight of a Hippo Calf
A common hippo calf enters the world with a significant starting weight, typically falling within a range of 50 to 110 pounds (22 to 50 kilograms). This mass is delivered after a gestation period of about eight months. Newborns are also quite long, often measuring around 122 to 127 centimeters (just over four feet) in length. This hefty size is a survival advantage, offering a better chance against predators and the hazards of its watery environment.
Early Life Adaptations and Nursing
Birth often occurs in shallow water or on land close to the water’s edge, meaning the calf’s first moments are immediately aquatic. The newborn must instinctively push itself to the surface to take its first breath. The ability to navigate water is paramount, as the mother often keeps the calf submerged for protection. The young calf can seal its nostrils and ears, allowing it to remain underwater for several minutes.
This adaptation is important for nursing, which takes place either on land or underwater. To feed, the calf grips the mother’s nipple between its tongue and the roof of its mouth. In deeper water, the mother often allows the calf to rest on her back, keeping the baby safely above the waterline. The calf remains highly dependent on its mother for protection and sustenance for its first year of life.
Contextualizing Size: Adult Mass and Species Variation
The large birth weight of the common hippo calf is put into perspective when considering the ultimate mass of the adult. Adult male common hippos can weigh from 3,000 pounds up to 9,900 pounds (4,500 kilograms) or more. Females are also enormous, often weighing over 3,000 pounds (1,360 kilograms), illustrating the scale of growth required from the 50-pound starting point. Males continue to gain weight throughout their lifetimes.
Pygmy Hippopotamus Comparison
The Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) provides a stark contrast in birth weight. Pygmy hippo calves are born weighing significantly less, typically in the range of 9.9 to 13.7 pounds (4.5 to 6.2 kilograms). This smaller newborn size reflects the adult Pygmy hippo’s scale, which generally weighs only around 400 to 600 pounds (180 to 270 kilograms). The common hippo calf begins its life at a weight nearly ten times that of its smaller cousin.