Can you do self-insemination at home ?
When you think of hippos, a few things might come to mind. Perhaps you recall the classic game Hungry Hungry Hippos or the whimsical dancing hippos from Disney’s Fantasia. If you spend time online, you may even think of the adorable and famous Fiona the hippo. Once just another zoo animal, hippos have become beloved creatures that many proudly call their favorites. We completely understand! Despite their size and potential danger, hippos are endearing with their round ears and soft, wide noses. If there’s a hippo enthusiast in your life, they’re likely eager to gather all things hippo, and we’re here to provide some delightful hippo coloring pages.
These hippo coloring pages are not just entertaining; they also foster essential skills in children. Coloring with your little one can enhance self-regulation, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. Once your budding artist completes these hippo pages, they can embark on even larger adventures with whale coloring pages. Or, if you wish to expand their knowledge of African wildlife, check out our giraffe coloring pages, cheetah coloring pages, lion coloring pages, and elephant coloring pages.
Free Printable Hippo Coloring Pages
Hippo No. 1
While hippos may seem massive, did you know they rank as the third largest land mammals after elephants and white rhinos, weighing up to nearly 10,000 pounds? Interestingly, female hippos typically average around 3,000 pounds. Fun fact: the game Hungry Hippos was introduced to the U.S. by Fred Kroll during World War II, after he brought it from Japan.
Hippo No. 2
These hefty creatures grow to be quite long, measuring between 10 and 17 feet. To give you a better picture, the average bedroom is about 12 feet long! So, a pet hippo wouldn’t fit too well in your room. They usually stand around five feet tall at the shoulder. What name would you choose for your hippo? Perhaps one of the names from the Hungry Hippos game? They had names like Lizzie, Henry, Home, and Harry, which all sound like great options!
Hippo No. 3
Can you imagine how tall they could be if their legs were longer? Despite their short legs, hippos are surprisingly quick, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. While they spend two-thirds of their day in water, they don’t actually swim; they use their strong legs to push off surfaces. If a hippo feels threatened, it yawns widely to display its large teeth, sending a clear message to others to keep their distance.
Hippo No. 4
Though classified as land mammals, hippos boast features that make them well-suited for aquatic life. They can hold their breath for about five minutes and can close their ears and nostrils to keep water out. With protective membranes covering their eyes, hippos are quite capable in the water. Baby hippos often nurse underwater too!
Hippo No. 5
Speaking of babies, hippo calves weigh between 50 and 110 pounds at birth—comparable to a grade-schooler! Their gestation lasts about eight months, similar to humans.
Hippo No. 6
Hippos are considered adults between the ages of five and seven, which seems quite young, but they have an average lifespan of 36 years.
Hippo No. 7
In the wild, hippos are social creatures, often found in groups of 10 to 20 called a bloat, typically consisting of many females and one male.
Hippo No. 8
Though they’re social, hippos can be aggressive. Their fights usually involve charging and ramming, which can be quite intense!
Hippo No. 9
Have you heard the claim that hippos are responsible for more human fatalities than sharks? While they are herbivores (plant-eaters), hippos can be quite territorial and aggressive if provoked.
Hippo No. 10
Fiona the hippo gained international attention when she was born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2017. She was the first hippo to be scanned via ultrasound while still in her mother’s womb and was born six weeks premature, weighing only 29 pounds. Thanks to dedicated zookeepers and veterinarians, Fiona survived and continues to thrive with her mother, Bibi, at the zoo.
Hippo No. 11
Hippos are known for their strong family bonds. Interestingly, they share a close relationship with whales and porpoises, which have similar characteristics!
Hippo No. 12
Do you know what a group of hippopotamuses is called? It’s known as a boat—no punchline needed!
To print all the hippo coloring pages at once, click here.
Summary
Explore these twelve fun and educational hippo coloring pages that not only provide entertainment but also contribute to the development of important skills in children. Each page celebrates the unique characteristics of hippos, perfect for any young enthusiast.