Scientific Name: Hippopotamus amphibius

Native to central Africa, these nocturnal mammals are commonly found at or in deep water rivers with marshes and reeds. The average length of a hippo is approximately 11 feet with a shoulder height of 4.5 to 5 feet. A male can weigh between 3,500 and 7,000 pounds while the female is much smaller reaching approximately 3,000 pounds. They have a large broad mouth and short broad legs with four toes on each foot. A hippo's eyes, ears and nose are all found on the top of the head so the animal can see, hear and breath while remaining mostly submerged.

Why, you may ask, is an African species found at a Florida park with all native wildlife? Well, Lucifer has lived here all his life. He was a big movie star when this was an exotic animal park. Local residents took a special liking to Lu and often visited him between his many movies. When the park went to strictly native species Lucifer was bound for a transfer. You can imagine the demand for a 6,000 pound hippopotamus is not particularly high. When the locals caught wind of the intended transfer they put up a fight to keep Lu here. Needless to say their voices were heard and Lu was granted honorary state citizenship.

Hippo Cocktail Trivia

• Hippos are able to remain fully submerged for up to 30 minutes but usually surface every 3 to 5 minutes.

• Female hippos reach sexual maturity at 5 to 6 years after which they enter estrus twice a year. The gestation period last approximately 8 months and a newborn hippo weighs in around 60 to 110 pounds.

• Offspring are born and nurse underwater.

• A hippo's lifespan is commonly 40 to 50 years.

Below is a photograph of the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park hippopotamus.

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