Hippopotamuses are large, plump animals that live in herds along rivers and lakes in sub-Saharan Africa. They can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh several thousand pounds. Despite their size, hippos are agile in water and spend most days submerged to keep cool and avoid predators. At night, they emerge onto land to graze on grass and other plant matter. Hippos live together in tight-knit family groups and give birth to pink calves that remain closely bonded to their mothers.

1. HIPPOPOTOMAS BY Madison Gulian

2. Physical Features/Description Related to Pigs Short tail Babies hippos are pink at birth 4 toes and hoof like nails Plump barrel shaped animals Short legs Can grow up to 16 feet long Skin color is a deep purplish gray to blue-black

3. Habitat Live in rivers and lakes Lives under the Savanna South Sahara desert Live in 100 degree weather Rivals to Indian Rhinoceros Areas of deep permanent water with adjacent reed beds and grassland

4. Diet/Behavior Live together in herds among the grasslands Spends most of the time in the water Hippos are nocturnal animals Hippo babies will stay with their mother for 14 days after they’re born so they don’t get hit by the big Hippos Eat up to 110 pounds of food a night

5. Interesting Facts Name means River Horse

6. Photo Credits http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035749109@N01/562435872 http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/366875687 Clip Art