Life History and Reproduction
Hippos are all dioecious. Males reach sexual maturity
between 6 and 14 years of age and breed with several females in their
territory. Females can breed at 7-15 years and usually reproduce every two
years. They are capable of breeding year round, but they mostly breed seasonally
during dry times in February and August. Reproduction takes place in the water.
The female hippo goes through three days of estrus (heat) where she is most
fertile and mates with a male hippopotamus.
Most calves are born in the water, but some can be born on land. They are typically born during the rainy months 8 months (240 days) after conception and weigh 27-50 kilograms. The calves nurse underwater for the first 6-8 months and are seen riding on their mothers' backs during the day. Mothers are very protective of their calves, and stay by the mother’s side for 5-8 years. Their lifespan is about 45 years.
