endangered animals

Did you know that hippopotamus teeth or tusks are made out of ivory? The hippopotamus, or hippos are huge animals that spend most of their time in the water. They are mammals that can stay under water for five minutes. In deep water hippos sink to the bottom of the lake or river. They can take underwater walks. Hippos are peaceful animals. They have no enemies except the humans that hunt them. Hippopotamus is the Greek word for river house. Pygmy can weigh up to 400 pounds. They have long legs and a long neck. They spend less time in the water.They live up to 35 years old. Hippos live in the savannas of Africa. Most hippos live in Central, Eastern, or Southern Africa. They usually live in groups around rivers and lakes. One of their favorite places is the Rift Valley. Pygmy hippos live in West Africa in a country called Sierra Leone in the forest. At night hippos leave the water to feed. Mothers and their babies feed together. Grown-up hippos without babies graze by themselves. Hippos finish eating early in the morning. Hippos are herbivores, That means they only eat vegetables and plants. Their broad lips pluck grass, leaves, and plants that grow in the water. Baby hippos can swim and walk the moment they are born. They are usually born on land or in shallow water. Baby hippos weigh about 90 pounds. Mother hippos are very protective to their babies. Baby hippos need to stay close to their mothers. Lions, leopards and crocodiles can’t kill grown up hippos. They like to hunt baby hippos. Young hippos like to play hide-and-seek. Hippos’ Only predators are humans. In Africa people hunt hippos. They use hippos for food and sell hippo hides, ivory teeth or tusks. Many people in Africa work hard to protect hippos by setting up parks and preserves in which the hippos can live. Scientists in Africa study hippos. We can put up more preserves, parks, and zoos to help.	Dutch translation will be added soon.
*Written by: Will*	(geschreven door)
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