Every year on 15 February, World Hippo Day is celebrated.
It is celebrated to raise awareness about the conservation, protection, and appreciation of one of Africa’s most iconic and beloved animals- the hippopotamus.
The day was officially established to commemorate the anniversary of the inauguration of the Turgwe Hippo Trust in Zimbabwe.
It is a pioneer conservation project dedicated to the protection and study of hippos in their natural habitat.
With declines attributed to poaching, loss of access to fresh water, mechanized farming, and urbanization, currently, the hippo population is estimated to be between 115,000 and 130,000.
Weighing up to 2,000 kilograms, hippos are semi-aquatic mammals, native to sub-Saharan Africa.
The hippos are the third-largest land mammal after elephants and rhinos.
Hippos play an important role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
They graze on aquatic plants and vegetation, helping to control vegetation growth and maintain water quality in rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
