The hippopotamus is a massive semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa and one of the world’s largest land animals. These creatures spend up to sixteen hours a day submerged in rivers and lakes, using the water to regulate their body temperature and protect their sensitive skin. Adults often weigh over 3,000 pounds. Understanding the early life of this giant requires knowing the specific terminology used for its young.
The Official Term
The term for a baby hippopotamus is a “calf.” This designation is shared across many large mammalian species, including elephants, rhinoceroses, and whales. A hippo calf is born after an eight-month gestation period. Newborns typically weigh around 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and measure about 127 centimeters (50 inches) in length, demonstrating the species’ strategy of producing highly developed offspring.
Life in the Water
Hippo calves are often born in shallow water, which offers immediate protection from land-based predators. The mother isolates herself from the social group for up to two weeks to bond with her newborn in this secluded, aquatic environment. The calf can swim almost immediately, but it primarily uses its powerful legs to push off the river bottom. This reliance on walking along the substrate is necessary because the calf’s body density makes it too heavy to float freely.
The calf has the unique ability to nurse underwater. The mother positions herself so the calf can latch onto a nipple while submerged, requiring the calf to automatically close its muscular nostrils and ears. Newborns have a limited breath-holding capacity, needing to surface for air every 40 seconds, far less than the adult’s five-minute hold. The mother remains highly protective, often pushing the calf to the surface for air if it struggles.
Growth and Independence
Calves experience rapid growth, fueled by their mother’s milk, which is rich in protein. While grazing on grasses and aquatic plants may begin as early as one month, the calf remains dependent on milk for sustenance for many months. Weaning typically occurs between six months and one year of age.
The mother’s protection extends beyond the nursing period, as the calf is vulnerable to predators such as crocodiles and lions. Calves remain closely associated with their mothers, sometimes staying under her protection for up to seven or eight years. This extended maternal care allows the calf to fully mature and learn the behaviors required for survival in its semi-aquatic world.