February 15th
World Hippo Day
International Hippo Day is celebrated every year on February 15. Amphibians are the third heaviest recent ungulate species. The Liberian hippopotamus is considered their closest relative.
The hippopotamus is the third heaviest living artiodactyl, with the closest relative being the pygmy hippopotamus. Both species are herbivores and feared animals in their habitat. Hippos live in Africa south of the Sahara and in Colombia, where they were brought by Pablo Escobar. They can weigh up to three tons and are considered dangerous due to their size and large teeth. However, they are usually shy and avoid confrontation with humans if possible. Hippos are mainly herbivores and can eat dozens of kilograms of grass per day. They can sleep underwater but need to come up for air every few minutes. The hippo's skin is thick but sensitive and prone to cracking. They produce a pink secretion that was once believed to be blood sweat, but it is actually an opalescent sunscreen.
