World Hippo Day: Hippos Deserve to Thrive

The hippopotamus, native to Africa, is the third largest among all land mammals, following elephants and rhinos. Closely related to whales and dolphins. Conservationists describe them as vulnerable. World Hippo Day is observed on February 15, 2024, to celebrate these remarkable creatures and raise awareness to prevent their extinction. There are two species of hippos: hippopotamus and pygmy hippo. Despite their enormous size, hippos can run up to 50 kilometres per hour. Hippos are the only mammals living on land and water and serve as a bridge between both worlds. The hippo’s dung provides rivers and lakes with the necessary nutrients for life in the ecosystem to thrive. Predators of the hippo include hyenas, lions, and crocodiles. Humans have also emerged as prime predators. One conservation measure impacts another. When the ban on the international trade of elephant ivory took effect in 1989, the predators started targeting the ivory canine teeth of the  Hippos. Every time we discuss the causes pushing many into extinction, you will find them to be the same. The primary threats to the hippopotamus are habitat loss and deforestation. As anthropologist Jane Goodall observes, to save the hippo, we must protect the rivers, lakes, and wetlands that sustain these majestic creatures and countless human communities.