Ask an Educator about Hippos
Are hippos endangered?
Hippos are currently listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and illegal and unregulated hunting for meat and ivory.
How long do hippos live?
In the wild, hippos typically live between 20 and 40 years. In managed care at accredited facilities like Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay hippos typically live into their fifties!
What do hippos eat?
Hippos are herbivores, which means they prefer grasses and vegetation. Since hippos’ lips are almost two feet wide, they are extremely efficient grazers.