Hippopotamuses are among Africa’s most recognizable and imposing animals, spending much of their lives submerged in water. Their young, with their unique adaptations and behaviors, represent a fascinating aspect of wildlife. From their distinctive birth to their gradual journey toward independence, baby hippos navigate a world shaped by their aquatic environment and the protective instincts of their mothers. Understanding their early life offers insights into their survival strategies and social dynamics.
Identifying a Young Hippo
A baby hippopotamus is commonly known as a calf. Calves are born with distinct physical characteristics. A newborn common hippo typically weighs between 50 and 121 pounds (23 and 55 kg) and measures around 50 inches (127 cm) in length.
Their skin is a grayish-brown, often with pinkish undertones on their undersides and around their eyes and ears. Their smaller size makes them vulnerable in early stages. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned high on their heads, allowing them to remain mostly submerged while still being aware of their surroundings.
Birth and First Months
Hippo calves are often born underwater, particularly during the wet season. A pregnant female often seeks a secluded area to give birth, isolating herself from the main pod for one to two weeks to bond with her newborn. Newborn calves instinctively swim to the surface for their first breath. While an adult hippo can hold its breath for several minutes, a newborn can only manage about 40 seconds, gradually increasing to a few minutes as they mature.
The mother provides protection and care in these initial weeks. Hippo calves can nurse underwater, closing their nostrils and ears to prevent water entry. For the first few days, the mother and calf remain in the water, only venturing out to graze once the calf is strong enough. This aquatic sanctuary helps shield the calf from land predators such as crocodiles, lions, and hyenas.
Learning from Mother and Pod
As the calf grows, its mother teaches it survival skills. The young hippo learns how to navigate its aquatic environment, pushing off the riverbed rather than swimming due to its body density. The mother guides her calf, teaching it where to find suitable food sources and how to recognize potential dangers. This close bond is important for the calf’s development, as it relies on its mother for protection and guidance.
Within the hippo pod, the mother remains protective, often keeping her calf close and not allowing other hippos to approach. While the calf’s initial introduction to the larger group can be risky, the mother’s presence helps integrate the young into the social structure. Young hippos may also be temporarily left in “nurseries” where one or more adult females guard several calves while their mothers graze. This communal protection safeguards the young and allows for early social interactions, including playful behaviors like mock fights among young males.
Journey to Adulthood
The journey to adulthood for a hippo calf involves growth and a gradual transition to independence. Hippo calves begin to experiment with eating grass as early as one month old, though they continue to nurse from their mothers. Weaning, the transition from milk to solid food, typically occurs between six and eight months of age. During this period, the mother gradually reduces nursing frequency as the calf increases its intake of solid vegetation.
Young hippos remain with their mothers for an extended period, often until they are seven to eight years old. This prolonged maternal care supports their continued development and integration into the pod. Female hippos reach sexual maturity between five and six years, while males mature around seven to 7.5 years. By the time they reach sexual maturity, these calves have grown into independent members of the hippo community, capable of survival and reproduction.