Day: June 19, 2022

Information Report – Hippos

Information Report – Hippos

The hippo is the  third largest land species on earth. With 36 teeth and the bite force stronger than a lion, you don’t want to mess with this mammal. Swimming in rivers is their fun time. While protecting the newborn is most important. Their unique features protect the hippo from the harsh African sun. This is a lot of information, and there is much more.

You can find the hippo relaxing in the slow moving rivers and lakes of Africa. They live in warm fahrenheit, liking their waters from 18-35 degrees celsius. Outside of the river they enjoy finding fruits and lawns of short grass, called hippo lawns. The species are herbivores meaning they only eat plants, fruits and veggies.Finishing their day with only 40kg of food each night (a female weighs 1500 kg on average).

Weight at birth can vary from 25kg-45kg. The female calves mature at the age of 5-6 years, and the males at 7 years. They are expected to live up to the age of 36. Closest relatives are pigs, whales and dolphins. To calves crocodiles, hyenas, lions and leopards are a threat. However, the most dangerous threat is their own species. There are up to 30 hippos in one family, when disagreements/fights occur the calves can get squashed. This happens very often.

The hippo or water horse (Greek meaning) is very robust. Because of the huge amount of skin they have, it needs to be kept wet for most of the day. This protects it from getting dry and harmed from the sun.True sweat glands are not a thing in the hippo world. Instead a thick red substance called blood sweat releases from their pores. Creating a thick layer on top of their skin preventing infections and sunburn. Even though water is in their name, these animals can’t actually float because of how heavy they are.

The hippo species is very interesting, with many more facts to be learned. Their living situation, diet, family life and features are only a few of the many amazing secrets the hippo holds. Their good sense of hearing and smell helps them survive in the dangerous jungles. Calves grow up fast learning new things at a fascinating speed. They can also see, breathe and hear underwater. What isn’t there to love about this species?

The Zoo Debate – Reading

This week in Literacy class we have worked on debate this week. The topic we were given was: Should Animals be kept in Zoos? This topic is very controversial and there are a lot of reason why and why they shouldn’t be kept in zoos. My opinion on this topic is animals should not be kept in zoos. I researched this topic with Aye and Angelica. To find out more, check out the slides above.