The park is one of the few centers that houses both species that exist and to publicize the main characteristics of this emblematic African animal, it has prepared a commemorative video. 90% of hippos have become extinct and this decline threatens aquatic ecosystems, vital for the balance of biodiversity. BIOPARC continues with the promotion “with a cause” to celebrate its 14th anniversary.
Today marks the World Hippo Day, a herbivore that has aroused curiosity and admiration since ancient times. The Greeks called it a “river horse” because, as can be seen in BIOPARC, it seems to “ride” underwater and, until well into the 19th century, the existence of two significantly different species was unknown, the common and the pygmy. The Valencian park is one of the few centers that hosts both and, in this way, allows us to deepen our knowledge. The Department of Education has made an educational video with its mascot Gombe to commemorate the anniversary and bring the species closer to children.
The common hippopotamus is the third largest land animal, after the elephants and the white rhinoceros, with a weight that can exceed 3.000 kg. Their adaptation to the aquatic environment is impressive, where they do “almost everything”, in addition to staying cool and protecting their skin.. They can remain submerged for up to 6 minutes and in the water they mate, give birth, are born, suck and even sleep, since the process of emerging to breathe is automatic and they do it without waking up. At night they come out to feed and it is very surprising that They can run at a speed of 50km/h. They form family groups with a male and females and the aggressiveness with which they defend their territory has led them to be the animal that causes the most deaths of people in Africa.
Between the differences of the two species of hippos, it is worth highlighting the position of the eyes, nose and ears. The common one has them in the highest area of the head, to monitor everything that happens around them, keeping the body completely submerged. The pygmy inhabits the leafy jungles and He only uses the rivers to cool off, so their body and activity is different. Much smaller (270 kg) and solitary, it was considered a legend until its existence was confirmed at the end of the XNUMXth century.
Both species are found in the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in danger of extinction and part of its “salvation” is in the international conservation programs in which BIOPARC participates. As a result of these actions, we can see in the area recreated by the Kitum a Gori cave, the common hippopotamus that will turn two years old in May. Hunting for their precious ivory teeth and habitat loss are their main threats.
This February BIOPARC celebrates its 14th anniversary with a “with a cause” promotion. The eentries on line They have a price of €20+€1 and the Annual Pass B! only €40+€1. Once again, the “+1€” will be allocated, through the BIOPARC Foundation, to protect one of the most endangered species, chimpanzees, supporting the intense work carried out in Africa by the Jane Goodall Institute.
