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Celebrating the hippo at Terra Natura Murcia
World Hippopotamus Day shines a spotlight on one of nature’s most fascinating giants
World Hippopotamus Day, marked every year on Saturday February 15, is a chance to celebrate one of Africa’s most iconic animals and at Terra Natura Murcia, the hippopotamus takes centre stage. Known for its size, strength and close bond with water, the hippo is also a powerful symbol of why animal care, education and conservation matter.At Terra Natura Murcia, a wildlife and nature park dedicated to animal welfare, conservation and family education, days like this are an opportunity to help visitors better understand the animals they see and the role they play in the natural world. The park has recently highlighted how education and animal wellbeing go hand in hand through enrichment and quality programmes.
A giant built for life in water
The hippopotamus, or Hippopotamus amphibius, is one of the largest land mammals on Earth, weighing more than 1,500 kilograms. Despite this impressive size, hippos are perfectly adapted to life in rivers and lakes across sub-Saharan Africa.
Although they live on land, hippos spend most of the day in water. This helps them regulate body temperature and protect their very sensitive skin from the sun. Their eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on their heads, allowing them to stay almost fully submerged while still watching what is going on around them.
At night, they leave the water to graze, often travelling long distances in search of grass. As one explanation puts it, “They may look calm and relaxed, but hippos are constantly aware of their surroundings.”
One of the most striking features of a hippopotamus is its jaw. Hippos have some of the largest and strongest jaws in the animal kingdom, with tusks that can grow longer than 50 centimetres. These tusks are not used for eating, but for defence and marking territory, especially in the water where hippos can be very protective.
Their skin is just as remarkable. Hippos produce a natural reddish secretion often called “blood sweat”. This substance acts as both a sunscreen and an antibacterial layer, helping to prevent infections and sun damage.
Hippos are more than just impressive animals. They play a key role in river ecosystems, helping fertilise soil and support aquatic life. Because of this, they are considered a keystone species, vital to the health of their environment.World Hippopotamus Day exists to raise awareness of these roles and of the threats hippos face, including habitat loss and poaching.
Terra Natura Murcia and conservation
By focusing on education and animal welfare, Terra Natura Murcia aims to help visitors appreciate not just what animals are, but why they matter. The park’s continued commitment to quality and care has also been recognised at a national level.
For visitors, World Hippopotamus Day is a reminder that learning about animals can be inspiring, enjoyable and important all at once, especially when it brings us closer to understanding and protecting species like the hippopotamus.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance on the Terra Natura website, or at the ticket office on the day of your visit.
Click here for more information about Terra Natura Murcia
Image: Terra Natura and wikicommons
