subject: Hippo Stuffed Animals & Facts [print this page] Even though hippos look cute and cuddly, they are known as one of the most dangerous mammals in the wild kingdom. It's because hippos look so inviting, that they are very popular attractions at zoos. It should come as no surprise to any parent that after a trip to see them, a hippo stuffed animal becomes the major request of the day. Hippo stuffed animals are some of the most adorable plush toys on the market with their oversized bodies and grey plush fur, they are a delight to all that admire them. A teddy bear is usually the plush toy of choice for most children, but one look at hippo stuffed animals changes the mind of even the most diehard teddy fans.
There are two hippo species, both of which can be found living in the lakes and rivers of Africa. Their name hippopotamus comes from the Greek word river horse even though hippos have no relation to horses whatsoever. They do love water, however, and because their skin has been designed to be wet most of the time, a good 16 hours of their part of a hippos day is spent submerged in the water. There won't be too many hippo stuffed animals that will be able to withstand getting wet unless you don't mind damage to their soft, plush fur. These are one plush animal that needs to stay on dry land at all times. If you are determined to have your hippo go into the water, a much better alternative to a hippo stuffed animal is one that is made of plastic. Plastic hippos do exist, but they can in no way make up for the realism and cuddliness of a plush one.
Hippos can hold their breath under water for a good five minutes but because they are so big, more often than not, they can stand on the river or lake bed they are immersed in. While most of their body remains under the water, they can still see, hear, and breathe as their eyes and nostrils are located high up on their heads. When the hot African sun has set, they come out of the water to graze, sometimes travelling up to six miles at night so they can consume 80 pounds of grass.
After elephants and white rhinos, hippos are the third largest living land mammal. Their skin alone can weigh as much as half a ton! And, their canine teeth can each be up to 20 inches long. Thankfully, hippo stuffed animals are in no way that heavy which means they can be held, cuddled, and loved all at the same time. They can also be prominently displayed on a bed, floor, or shelf when not in 'use' with no risk whatsoever that they will damage anything they stand stand on because of their weight.
