Number of Young

1 calf, rarely 2.

Gestation

220-250 days or 8 months.

Birth

Hippo births usually occur in months after heavy rainfall, but can occur all year-round. The young are born underwater and weigh 27-45 kilograms. All of the mothers and calves form a nursery herd. The nursing of the calf is done both on land and under the water, but the baby hippos usually feed under the water. A young hippo will lie on its mother¿s back while she lies in the water, and when it is old enough it will accompany its mother to the grazing fields. The first year of life for a baby hippo is a dangerous time as it is a popular prey of crocodiles, lions, hyenas and leopards.