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Hippos
LOVE the water!!
They're ears, eyes and nostrils all are on the top of their
heads. All this is so they can completely stay underwater
but still be aware of their surroundings. Hippos are also
airtight because they can close their ears and nostrils
when they submerge so no water leaks in? They have 4 toes
on each hoof which are very close together, this is to help
them swim under water - like webbed feet. Their skin is
about 1/2 (half) inch thick, and is very sensitive to sunlight,
which is another reason why they're always in the water,
or in mud holes.
They have no sweat glands or scent glands, but they do have
a subcutaneous Mucous Gland. This gland secretes a pink-ish
to red-ish oily liquid that helps in keeping the hippos
skin from drying out.
Hippos prefer the slow flowing waters. They are most often
found in slow moving streams, creeks, rivers, or in lakes
that are just deep enough so they can submerge. In order
for a hippo to stay on the surface they have to paddle their
4-toed hooves! Many times the hippo will totally submerge
underwater and walk along the bottom.
Hippos are found in Africa. They range from central and
southern Africa to western Africa; south of the Sahara Desert.
They are mainly found along the Nile River Valley and in
Game Parks and Reserves around Africa.
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