The day after Valentine’s Day is popularly seen as a day when you can purchase a bunch of sweets for sale, but for Wildlife lovers, February 15 is also World Hippo Day!

There is a lot to know about the world’s third largest mammal. Weighing in a whopping 8,000 pounds, there is only one continent in the world where you can find hippopotami in their native environment, Africa. They are native to 30 countries on the continent and live up to 50 years in the wild.

Did you know that there are only two species of hippos on the planet, which are hippopotamus and the pygmy hippo.

These herbivores are incredibly interesting, but we, as humans, are a primary predator. While some are hunted for their meat, many people hunt them for their ivory canine teeth. Despite the recent efforts to ban the trade of hippo teeth, the animal is classified as vulnerable.

Anyone can join in on celebrating World Hippo Day. Many zoos, wildlife organizations, and conservation groups hold events to celebrate the hippo and educate public. You can also participate by learning more about the animal, donating to an organization like World Wildlife Federation (www.shorturl.at/lFIN3 ), share pictures and facts about hippos on social media, watch videos or documentaries about them, or play a few rounds of Hungry Hungry Hippos.

This may be the first year you celebrate World Hippo Day, but it doesn’t have to be the last.