Cute Hippopotamus Picture Watering Hole Auckland Zoo
Photo & Vacation Spot

Maneuvering around its watering hole at the Auckland Zoo on the North Island of New Zealand, this cute Hippopotamus only allows his backside to see the sunlight.

With its broad head partially submerged in its watering hole at the Auckland Zoo on the North Island of New Zealand, this hippopotamus stays cool in the heat of the sun. Its eyes and cute round ears remain above the surface of the water for the majority of the time the hippopotamus roams about its watering hole which is why they are positioned so high on its head.

When the hippopotamus does go beneath the surface of the water, its ears fold over and the nostrils close to avoid water getting in. The watering hole must be the perfect depth for the hippopotamus as they like to keep their feet on the bottom, only going under when it feels right for them.

Most of the daytime hours of a hippopotamus's life is spent in the water due to the heat and they will wander amongst the grasslands and feed when the cooler temperatures arrive in the evenings. A fully mature hippopotamus grows to about 11 feet in length and 5 feet high, reaching a weight of between 3,300 to 7,000 pounds.

Three cute hippopotamuses reside at the Auckland Zoo in New Zealand, a mother and son and another female who lives in a separate enclosure as she was having problems coping with the other two.

Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius, at the Auckland Zoo, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand.