I’m not someone who particularly enjoys going back on my word, and when hippos are the subject matter, there is absolutely no exception to the rule. In yesterday’s post, I said today’s would also discuss hippos and share some interesting facts affiliated with them, and here we are.
Again, this information comes from www.natgeokids.com.
“6) Despite their enormous size, hippos are great swimmers and can hold their breath for up to five minutes underwater. When completely submerged, their ears and nostrils fold shut to keep water out.
7) Hippos usually live in groups (or ‘herds’) of around ten to 20 individuals, led by one large dominant male. The other members are females, their young and a few young non-breeding males.
8) Dominant males are very protective over their group. To warn off rival males, they open their huge mouths and display their long, curved canines! They also make loud grunts and aggressive splashes in the water.
9) Female hippos, called cows, give birth every two years, usually to a single calf. Soon after birth, the mother and her baby join up with other cows and calves for protection against predators, such as crocodiles, lions and hyenas.
10) In the wild hippos live for around 40 years. In captivity, they tend to live longer and may reach up to 50 years old,” the web page explains.
I fucking loved hippos already, but learning about them in a little more detail has only intensified my appreciation for them. Again, I realize hippos are very dangerous and powerful animals, but I’m still holding onto hope in the sense that somehow, someday, I’ll be able to domesticate one and have it live alongside Blaine and me happily.
If this dream isn’t attainable, perhaps I’ll be able to get my hands on a Canadian house hippo. That would be a lovely alternative.
ontheedgeofeverything 
