All hippos are dependent on water for their survival. In Botswanna, hippos face a challenge as deep floodwaters dry to dust in a matter of months. Their quest for water is a perilous journey. They still must protect their families, face their enemies and show their true nature. They are surprisingly highly sensitive and intelligent. Even with a stocky shape and sort legs, they are capable of running 19 mph over a short distance??
Hippos are considered to be semi-aquatic mammals and ungulates native to sub-Saharan Africa. They are the third largest type of land mammal and the heaviest. There are also pygmy hippopotamus animals. They have a physical resemblance to pigs but actually their closest relatives are whales, dolphins and porpoises.
About 55 million years ago the hippos diverged from the ocean animals. Hippos have barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, columnar legs and adults average 3,310 pounds. Territorial males preside over rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps with groups of five to thirty females and young hippos. They stay in water or mud to remain cool during the day. At dusk they come out of the water and graze on grasses. There is a LOT of information that I didn't know before and it's very interesting!! 5* (I really liked this movie)
60 min, Doc directed and produced by Brad Bestelink, narrated by David Attenborough and also produced by Bill Murphy.
Note: Originally shown on PBS January 15, 2020.
Special Note: Hippos are threatened by habitat loss and placing for their meat plus the ivory canine teeth. There are five subspecies: Great northern, East African, Cape or South African, West African or Tchad, Angola. Amazingly, this is an aquatic mammal that cannot swim. Also, a vegetarian and the most dangerous animal in Africa.
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