Zoo Hippopotamus Auckland New Zealand: Scientific Name:
Hippopotamus amphibius
The big broad head of the Hippopotamus at the Auckland Zoo on the North Island of New Zealand is often seen on the surface of the water in its habitat. The ears, eyes and large nostrils are the only parts that the hippo seems to keep above water due to its sensitive skin. When the hippopotamus decides to stay at the surface their skin produces an oily substance that will protect it from the sun's rays.
The main reason that the eyes, ears and nostrils are positioned so high on the head of the Hippopotamus is so that they can stay underwater and still know what goes on around them. If you are at the Auckland Zoo in New Zealand, watch the hippopotamus as he goes below the surface, his ears fold over and close along with its nostrils...
... that also close up. Once a hippopotamus resurfaces, such as this one, his nostrils will open again and his cute little ears will spring up again.
Most of their days are spent in the water and they can actually stay under for fifteen minutes at a time but usually it is for about five minutes. During the evening hours, the Hippopotamus wanders amongst the grasslands and feeds for a few hours before returning to his place in the water.
They require water that is deep enough to keep their large bodies submerged but not too deep as they like to be able to touch the bottom and gallop along without too much depth above them.
The two hippopotamuses that reside in the Hippo River at the Auckland Zoo in New Zealand are known as Faith (the mother) and Fudge (the son). The other hippopotamus is named Snorkel but he spends his days alone as socializing with the others doesn't seem to be a high point in his behavioral traits.
Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius, at the Auckland Zoo, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand.
A hippopotamus floating around his habitat at the Auckland Zoo on the North Island of New Zealand.
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