A new study reveals that hippos can achieve brief periods of airborne movement while trotting, challenging previous assumptions about their locomotion

In a surprising revelation, scientists from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have uncovered that hippos, despite their hefty appearance, are capable of becoming airborne during rapid trotting. This discovery, facilitated by observations at Flamingo Land Resort in North Yorkshire, sheds new light on the locomotion patterns of these large land animals.

Led by Prof. John Hutchinson and former RVC undergraduate Emily Pringle, the study utilized video footage from Flamingo Land and other sources to analyze the movement of hippos in both captivity and the wild. Unlike many other large animals that typically walk or gallop, hippos were found to predominantly trot, even at varying speeds.

Prof. Hutchinson, a leading expert in evolutionary biomechanics, highlighted the challenges in studying hippos due to their aquatic habits and the risks associated with their handling. The research team’s analysis revealed that during their fastest trotting speeds, hippos could briefly lift all four feet off the ground, achieving a form of controlled airborne movement for up to 0.3 seconds.

“Understanding how hippos move has been a longstanding mystery in biomechanics,” Prof. Hutchinson remarked. “This study marks a significant advancement in our knowledge, demonstrating their unique locomotive behaviour which includes moments of aerial suspension.”

Kieran Holliday, science and conservation officer at Flamingo Land, expressed optimism about the study’s implications for animal care and enclosure design within zoo environments. “Enhancing our understanding of hippo locomotion not only benefits their welfare but also informs broader conservation efforts,” he noted.

Analysis:

Social:

The discovery that hippos trot and can become airborne challenges traditional perceptions about their movement capabilities. This finding may enhance public fascination with these iconic animals and deepen appreciation for their unique adaptations in both natural and zoo settings.

Scientific:

Scientifically, the study provides valuable insights into hippo biomechanics, contributing to evolutionary and comparative anatomy research. Understanding how hippos move could lead to advancements in studying other large mammals and their locomotor adaptations.

Environmental:

Environmentally, insights from this research could influence conservation strategies by improving habitat management and enriching captive environments for hippos. This knowledge helps ensure the welfare of hippos in both wild and zoo settings, promoting their conservation status.