Safari in the City Hippo

Say hello to Perky, one of the fantastic animals featured on the Safari in the City trail.

Hippos might look slow and relaxed, but don't let their appearance fool you! They're one of Africa's largest and most powerful animals, spending much of their day cooling off in rivers before becoming active at night.

Although hippos spend much of the day in water, they don't actually swim. Instead, they walk or bounce along riverbeds while holding their breath for up to five minutes.

At night, hippos leave the water to graze on grass and can travel several miles in search of food.

Despite their bulky appearance, hippos can run at speeds of up to 30mph over short distances, making them surprisingly agile.

Their eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on their heads, allowing them to stay almost completely submerged while still being able to see, hear and breathe.

Hippos are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, living in rivers, lakes and wetlands where they can keep cool during the hottest parts of the day.

Like many large mammals, hippos face challenges from habitat loss and changes to their natural environment, making conservation efforts increasingly important.

While hippos aren't found at Woburn Safari Park, you'll still discover an incredible collection of fascinating wildlife from around the world during your visit.

Book your visit to Woburn Safari Park here.

There's plenty more to discover! With Safari in the City