Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Hippos

Get to know this unpredictable animal in Edge of Africa®

Watch these misunderstood animals as they swim, eat and lounge.

The hippopotamus can be extremely unpredictable, making it one of the most dangerous mammal in Africa and the third-largest living land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos. Hippos are herbivores, meaning they eat only vegetation, and they spend much of their time in the water.
Fun Fact: Hippos closest living relatives are whales.


Location: Edge of Africa

Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Hippos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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.