Nile Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
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Range and habitat:
Hippos can be found in rivers, lakes, and their surrounding grasslands in West, Central, East, and South Africa
Natural diet:
Grasses.
Size / weight range:
Up to 5.5 feet tall, 8 to 11 feet long, and can weigh between 3000 to 9000 pounds
Interesting Facts:
IUCN status: vulnerable.
Can run up to 14 mph on land.
Can stay under water for longer than 15 minutes.
Tusks are enlarged canine teeth.
Studies at Toledo (by keeper Stephen Krueger) have included underwater communication, field DNA tissue sampling techniques, skin secretion studies
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Location at The Toledo Zoo:
The Hippoquariam® at Tembo Trail
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