Huggable Hippopotamus
You might be surprised to learn that hippos are actually more closely related to whales and porpoises than any other land mammal. They weigh in a at a whopping 4.5 tons and next to elephants are likely the biggest land animals (though hippos have never been weighed in the wild because they’re too big and too aggressive). Hippos have big thick bodies that are devoid of hair except for a few along their tails.
Hippos are able to move in the water because of their hoofed feet which have membranes that stretch between their 4 toes. Despite their size, hippos can easily float in streams and swamps thanks to a layer of fat under their skin that’s been adapted for the water. Their babies are even born in the water. Hippos even have skin protection from the sun and generate their very own sunblock. This sunblock is a red substance that also helps to protect them from insect bites, especially from mosquitoes.
You have to admit that hippos do look pretty huggable, but they’re actually quite dangerous and very, very aggressive. You can have 2 of your very own by visiting our store at TabbyPlush.com where we have an adorable mama hippopotamus and her baby.
