How Do Hippos Run So Fast When They Have So Much Weight To Carry Around?

Hippos, known for their large size and somewhat clumsy appearance with short legs and a round body, are surprisingly fast runners, reaching speeds of about 19 miles per hour. Their speed on land is impressive considering they mainly live in water. This leads to an interesting question: how do these hefty creatures move so swiftly? Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College in the United Kingdom decided to investigate this mystery and uncover the secrets behind hippos’ agility.

They conducted a thorough study by analyzing 169 strides taken by 32 different hippos, carefully observing their movements and walking habits. The findings of the study were remarkable. They revealed that hippos mostly trot regardless of how fast they are moving. What sets them apart is their ability to make short jumps while picking up speed.

In addition to their land speed, hippos have a unique way of moving through water. Contrary to popular belief, hippos cannot swim normally due to their dense bodies that don’t allow them to float. Instead, they walk or run along the river or lake bottom where they can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour underwater.

The mystery surrounding hippos’ speed has long fascinated scientists due to the challenges of studying these fiercely territorial animals up close. Their aggressive behavior makes it dangerous for researchers to observe them in the wild or even in places like zoos where getting them to run is no easy task.

Despite these challenges, insights from the RVC research have provided valuable information about how hippos achieve impressive speeds on both land and in water. These discoveries highlight the captivating nature of these animals in the animal kingdom while hinting at more revelations waiting to be uncovered about their behaviors and movements.