Animal Art

Hippopotamus

(Hippopotamus amphibiu)

Considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, they can out run a human. They can run up to 25 mph and maintain this speed for a few hundred yards. Males have canine teeth up to 20" uses its head as a battering ram and can weight up to 7,000 lbs. A typical life span for a hippo is 40 to 50 years. Once numerous in all African rivers and streams with deep water, the hippo is now largely restricted to natural parks and wildlife refuges. The hippopotamus is perfectly at home in the water, mating and giving birth there. Due to its specific gravity, it can submerge itself completely and walk on the bottom of the river. It comes up on land to feed on grasses and crops, mainly at night, and is most dangerous when it feels cut off from its watery environment.

Wildlife artist Kathie Miller has captured this hippo keeping cool in the river using the airbrush.