Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College have observed hippopotamuses temporarily airborne while running, challenging previous notions about their mobility.
Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College have observed hippopotamuses temporarily airborne while running, challenging previous notions about their mobility.
Unlike other large mammals, hippos can simultaneously have all four feet off the ground, exhibiting what researchers term 'flying.'
Unlike other large mammals, hippos can simultaneously have all four feet off the ground, exhibiting what researchers term 'flying.'
The strong leg muscles of hippos support their massive bodies, allowing short bursts of surprising speed and brief airborne moments
The strong leg muscles of hippos support their massive bodies, allowing short bursts of surprising speed and brief airborne moments
Hippos walk on the tips of their toes, a unique trait that helps distribute their weight evenly, aiding in their quiet, efficient movement.
Hippos walk on the tips of their toes, a unique trait that helps distribute their weight evenly, aiding in their quiet, efficient movement.
During a trot, hippos move their diagonally opposite legs together, achieving speeds between those of elephants and rhinoceroses.
During a trot, hippos move their diagonally opposite legs together, achieving speeds between those of elephants and rhinoceroses.
Studying hippo locomotion involved overcoming the dangers of their unpredictable behavior and primarily nocturnal lifestyle.
Studying hippo locomotion involved overcoming the dangers of their unpredictable behavior and primarily nocturnal lifestyle.
At Flamingo Land, researchers captured 169 video recordings of hippos to analyze every frame for moments of complete lift-off.
At Flamingo Land, researchers captured 169 video recordings of hippos to analyze every frame for moments of complete lift-off.
The ability of baby hippos to stay airborne longer than adults may lead to new understandings of their evolutionary adaptations.
The ability of baby hippos to stay airborne longer than adults may lead to new understandings of their evolutionary adaptations.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the semiaquatic hippopotamus can run up to 30 km/h and is one of the most territorial and aggressive animals.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the semiaquatic hippopotamus can run up to 30 km/h and is one of the most territorial and aggressive animals.