Do Hippos Really Swim? The Truth Will Surprise You

When you think of hippos, one of the first images that may come to mind is a giant, lumbering creature gracefully floating in the water. You might assume that, like many aquatic animals, hippos are strong swimmers. However, the truth about how hippos move in water is far more fascinating than most people realize.

The Myth of Swimming Hippos

Many people believe that hippos swim just like fish, dolphins, or even crocodiles. After all, they spend a huge portion of their lives submerged in rivers and lakes. However, the surprising fact is that hippos do not swim at all—at least, not in the way you might expect.

Rather than swimming, hippos move underwater by walking or bouncing along the riverbed. Their dense bodies prevent them from floating easily, so instead of paddling like most aquatic animals, they push themselves off the bottom and glide forward, almost like astronauts in low gravity. This unique movement allows them to navigate their watery habitat efficiently without ever needing to swim in the traditional sense.

How Do Hippos Move in Water?

Hippos are naturally adapted for life in the water. Their barrel-shaped bodies may look heavy, but they are built perfectly for their semi-aquatic lifestyle. Here’s how they move:

1. Walking on the Bottom – Hippos can sink to the riverbed and walk on all fours, propelling themselves forward with powerful strides.
2. Gliding and Pushing Off – Instead of floating, hippos push off the bottom and glide forward in a movement that looks similar to swimming, but they are actually bouncing off the ground.
3. Holding Their Breath – Hippos can hold their breath for up to five minutes, allowing them to move underwater without surfacing too often.
4. Using Their Ears and Nostrils – When they do come up for air, their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned on top of their heads, making it easy to breathe without exposing too much of their body.

Why Don’t Hippos Swim Like Other Animals?

One of the reasons hippos do not swim is because their bodies are extremely dense. Unlike other animals that float easily due to their fat content or hollow bones, hippos are heavier and naturally sink. This makes walking on the riverbed a more efficient way for them to move through the water.

In contrast, animals like crocodiles and fish have buoyant bodies that allow them to stay afloat effortlessly. But for hippos, staying submerged actually helps them stay cool and avoid the harsh African sun. This is why they spend so much time in the water during the day and become more active on land at night.

How Fast Are Hippos in Water?

Although they may look slow and clumsy, hippos are surprisingly fast in water. Their ability to push off the riverbed allows them to move at speeds of up to 8 kilometers per hour (5 miles per hour) underwater. This makes them one of the fastest-moving large animals in their environment. Their speed, combined with their aggressive nature, makes them extremely dangerous—even in water.

Do Baby Hippos Swim?

Just like adults, baby hippos do not swim in the traditional sense. However, they are born in water and must quickly learn how to navigate their environment. Newborn hippos often rest on their mothers’ backs when they are too young to move easily. Since they are lighter than adults, they can float a little better, but they still rely on walking and pushing off the bottom to move around.

Can Hippos Drown?

Despite spending most of their time in water, hippos can drown if they are unable to reach the surface to breathe. This usually happens if they become trapped or injured. However, their natural ability to hold their breath and their instinct to move toward shallower waters help prevent drowning in most cases.

The Connection Between Hippos and Whales

Interestingly, hippos are the closest living relatives to whales! Scientists have discovered that hippos and whales share a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago. While whales evolved to fully adapt to ocean life, hippos remained semi-aquatic, which explains why they are so comfortable in the water but do not swim like their distant relatives.

Conclusion: Hippos Don’t Swim, But They Are Water Experts

Although they don’t technically swim, hippos are incredibly well adapted to life in the water. Their unique method of moving underwater—walking, gliding, and pushing off—allows them to navigate their environment efficiently while staying cool and safe.

Next time you see a hippo in the water, remember: they’re not swimming, they’re walking underwater in their own special way!

Tom Brokaw: A Legendary Journalist Who Shaped American Media