When you think of hippopotamuses, several things may spring to mind. Perhaps you recall the classic game Hungry Hungry Hippos, or maybe the charming dancing hippos from Disney’s Fantasia. And if you’re an internet enthusiast, you might think of Fiona the hippo, the adorable and famous resident of the Cincinnati Zoo. From being just another zoo animal, hippos have become beloved creatures that many people proudly call their favorites. It’s easy to see why—despite their size and reputation, hippos are undeniably cute with their round ears and big, squishy noses.
If you have a hippo enthusiast at home, they’re likely eager to gather all things hippo-related, and we’re here to help with some delightful hippo coloring pages. These pages not only provide hours of fun but also help develop essential skills. Coloring alongside your toddler can enhance their self-regulation, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. Once your little hippo fan has colored to their heart’s content, they can dive into even larger adventures with whale coloring pages. Or, if you’re looking to explore more African wildlife, check out our giraffe, cheetah, lion, and elephant coloring pages.
Free Printable Hippo Coloring Pages
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Hippo No. 1
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Did you know that hippos are the third largest land mammals, right after elephants and white rhinos? They can weigh up to nearly 10,000 pounds, although females typically weigh around 3,000 pounds. Interestingly, the game Hungry Hungry Hippos was brought to the U.S. by WWII veteran Fred Kroll, who carried it from Japan! -
Hippo No. 2
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Hippos measure anywhere from 10 to 17 feet in length. To put that in perspective, the average bedroom is about 12 feet long—meaning a pet hippo wouldn’t quite fit! They stand about five feet tall at the shoulder. If you were to name your hippo, consider names from the game: Lizzie (purple), Henry (orange), Home (green), and Harry (yellow) could all be great choices. -
Hippo No. 3
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Imagine how tall hippos would be if their legs weren’t so short! Those sturdy legs allow them to travel at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Hippos spend about two-thirds of their time in the water but don’t swim; instead, they use their legs to push off surfaces. Fun fact: when threatened, a hippo yawns widely to display its enormous teeth, warning others to stay back! -
Hippo No. 4
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Although hippos are primarily land mammals, they have remarkable adaptations for water. They can hold their breath for up to five minutes and can close their ears and nostrils underwater. With protective membranes for their eyes, hippos are quite skilled swimmers. Baby hippos even nurse while submerged! -
Hippo No. 5
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When a hippo calf is born, it can weigh between 50 and 110 pounds—about the size of a grade-schooler! Hippo pregnancies last around eight months, similar to humans. -
Hippo No. 6
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Hippos reach maturity between ages five and seven, which may seem young considering they typically live around 36 years. -
Hippo No. 7
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Social creatures, hippos live in groups called “bloats,” typically consisting of 10 to 20 members, usually females and one male. -
Hippo No. 8
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While they may be social, hippos can be quite aggressive! Their confrontations often involve charging and ramming into one another. -
Hippo No. 9
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There’s a common belief that more people are killed by hippos than by sharks. Though they are herbivores, hippos can be very territorial and aggressive if they feel threatened. -
Hippo No. 10
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Fiona the hippo captured hearts when she was born at the Cincinnati Zoo in early 2017, becoming the first hippo to be scanned via ultrasound. Born six weeks early at only 29 pounds, she thrived thanks to dedicated zookeepers and veterinarians. -
Hippo No. 11
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Hippos are also quite family-oriented! Did you know they share a lineage with whales and porpoises? It’s interesting to note the similarities between these creatures. -
Hippo No. 12
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Lastly, did you know that a group of hippos is called a “boat”? This might sound like the start of a joke, but it’s simply a fun fact!
Click here to print all the hippo coloring pages at once! For more exciting topics, check out this related blog post on home insemination. For more insights, visit Make a Mom’s guide for at-home insemination kits and News Medical for resources on pregnancy.
Summary
This article presents a collection of 12 free printable hippo coloring pages that are not only engaging but also beneficial for developing important skills in children. Hippos are fascinating creatures, and these coloring pages celebrate their unique traits and characteristics while providing a fun, educational activity for kids.