Hippos are big, therefore, everything they do is big! Their size is big; they’re the second largest land animal on Earth (after elephants) and can weigh up to as much as three small cars at approximately 3,200kg. Their stature is big; males are around 3.5m long and 1.5m tall, and their appetite is big. These herbivores only eat grass, but it’s a lot–nearly 35kg of the green stuff a day!
Even their herds are big–there’s usually around 10-20 of them in one group. Yup, the hippopotamus is a rather large creature. They don’t do anything small. So, if I were to ask you on a scale from 1 to 10 how large a hippo fart might be, what would you guess?
If you said 12 and over…ding!…ding!…ding!…ding!…diiiiing! You are correct. Ladies and gentlemen, this video captures a particular hippo passing gas loudly and proudly, and for a sustained period of time! This isn’t a fart in the wind, oh no. This is more like a loud, howling wind where you need to batten down the hatches and stay far away. Or, like this visitor at the zoo, keep the camera rolling and post it on YouTube for 25 million other people to see.
The video opens to the hippo’s backside facing the camera, emerging from the water. The hippo has an adoring fan base, plenty of onlookers amazed at his size and presence. A voice says, “Wow!” and another, “Oh my gosh! Here he comes!
There are a few shouts and yells, as the camera zooms in closer. The hippo is out of the water when his tail starts to flap, and out comes the world’s biggest release. Cue rippling laughter from the innocent bystanders, and comments like “What was that?!” as the oblivious hippo carries on through his day. Onlookers were equal parts grossed out and amused at the strange behavior they just witnessed. When nature calls, every living being has to answer!
Not only is the hippo’s flatulence excessive, but it’s also territorial. With the sound comes the “flinging” part, and it’s this tossing around of excrement that marks his territory. With a diet so high in fiber, the hippo has plenty to work with and is able to fling far and with ease. Glad everyone was at a safe distance for this hilarious turn of events!
Click below to watch Mr. Hippo do his daily business.
