The hippopotamus is a large African megaherbivore that spends a significant portion of its life submerged in water. This semi-aquatic existence profoundly influences the life cycle of its offspring. The massive size of the adult hippo necessitates a large calf, which is a considerable investment for the mother. A calf’s size at birth is an adaptation to its environment, as it must be capable of navigating the water and immediately surfacing for air. The initial mass of a newborn hippo provides context for its rapid development and survival in a challenging ecosystem.
Birth Weight of a Common Hippopotamus Calf
The birth weight of a common hippopotamus calf (Hippopotamus amphibius) is substantial, reflecting the massive size of its parents. Newborn calves typically weigh between 25 and 50 kilograms (55 and 110 pounds) at birth. An average weight often cited for a healthy calf is approximately 50 kilograms (110 pounds). This impressive mass prepares the calf for its unique, semi-aquatic entry into the world.
A pregnant female often isolates herself from the herd in shallow water or on land just before giving birth. Birth most frequently occurs submerged, requiring the newborn to instinctively swim to the surface for its first breath. The calf remains in close proximity to its mother for protection immediately after this aquatic arrival. The mother and calf will not rejoin the main pod for about ten to fourteen days, allowing a strong initial bond to form in seclusion.
Growth and Development Milestones
The common hippo calf’s growth trajectory is characterized by rapid weight gain supported by the mother’s rich milk. Calves are uniquely adapted to nurse underwater, closing their ears and nostrils to prevent water intake as they grip the mother’s nipple. This adaptation allows the mother to nurse her young while remaining protected in the water during the day. This early period of dependency is marked by a significant increase in mass, with some documented calves gaining over 2 pounds per day in the first week of life.
The calf’s reliance on milk gradually shifts as it begins to integrate solid food into its diet. Calves can begin sampling grass as early as one month of age, mirroring the adult’s primary food source. Weaning generally occurs between six and eight months old, though the calf remains dependent on its mother for guidance and protection for up to a year.
The period of significant growth continues for many years, with females reaching their maximum weight around age 25. Sexual maturity is attained much earlier, with females becoming reproductively active between seven and fifteen years old and males between six and thirteen years old.
The Pygmy Hippo Calf: A Size Comparison
The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is much smaller than its common relative. A pygmy hippo calf at birth typically weighs only 4.5 to 7 kilograms (10 to 15 pounds). This birth weight is roughly one-tenth the mass of a common hippo calf, highlighting the vast difference between the two species.
The smaller species also exhibits different birthing behavior, generally giving birth on land rather than in the water. Pygmy hippos are far less aquatic and are primarily solitary and nocturnal forest dwellers in West Africa. Their reduced size and preference for dense, forested habitats are reflected in the smaller scale of their offspring.