A baby hippo, also known as a calf, typically weighs between 55 to 120 pounds (25 to 55 kilograms) at birth. This weight can vary depending on the specific species of hippo and the health of the mother.
Hippopotamus calves grow quickly, gaining about 1.5 to 2 pounds (0.7 to 0.9 kilograms) per day during their first few weeks of life. This rapid growth is essential for their survival, as they need to reach a size where they can better defend themselves against predators.
By the time they are one year old, baby hippos can weigh anywhere from 400 to 600 pounds (180 to 270 kilograms). This significant weight gain is due to their high-calorie diet, which primarily consists of their mother’s milk for the first eight months, followed by a gradual introduction to grass and other vegetation.
In summary, a baby hippo weighs between 55 to 120 pounds at birth and undergoes rapid growth in its first year, reaching up to 600 pounds by the age of one.