The Hippos of St Lucia

29/05/2025

Shelley Klomfass has extra help at SUNSET LODGE/ ST LUCIA ESTUARY with the daily inspections!

Hippos expect a very high level of service so guest are in good hands during their stay!!!

28/05/2025

🦛 Why is a hippo’s mouth so outrageously wide?

We’re talking 150-degree gape and jaws that can stretch over 4 feet wide — wide enough to fit a small adult inside (don’t try it). But despite their watermelon-munching meme fame, the real reason for that massive mouth isn’t about eating.

It’s about power, protection, and dominance.

Hippos are highly territorial in water, and their huge yawn-like display is actually a serious warning — showing off 20-inch canines that are used not for chewing, but for fighting. That wide gape? It’s an intimidation tactic, and when needed, a powerful weapon in the battle for mates and river real estate.

Despite their bulky charm, hippos are among Africa’s most dangerous animals — proof that safari beauty often comes with bite.

26/05/2025

🌙 Why Are Hippos So Shiny at Night? 🦛✨

Ever noticed how hippos seem to glisten when caught in the beam of a flashlight or headlights at night? It’s not sweat or water—it’s their built-in sunscreen! 😮

Hippos secrete a special oily substance known as “blood sweat” (don’t worry, it’s neither blood nor sweat!). This natural secretion:
🔸 Acts like a sunscreen to protect their skin
🔸 Has antibacterial properties to help heal cuts
🔸 Gives them that shiny, almost oily appearance under light

So next time you spot a hippo glowing in the dark, you’re seeing nature’s version of SPF and skincare in action! 💧💡🦛

Thanks to Josselyn de Ruiter and Susanne Vermeeren for the great footage!

23/05/2025

🦛💬 Pssst… Ever Wonder Why the Hippos of St Lucia Are So Quiet?

They’re not shy… they’re just living their best introvert life 😎💦

Here’s the scoop:
By day, our chunky water potatoes 🥔🦛 float around in the estuary like they’re on a silent retreat. Why?
Because hippos are ALL about that chill life. Cool water + zero drama = happy hippo.

But don’t let the calm fool you… when the sun goes down, it’s hippo o’clock! 🌕 That’s when the snorting, honking and midnight lawn-mowing begins. (Yes, they literally walk the streets eating grass — welcome to St Lucia! 🌱😂)

So if you're strolling around and it's a little too quiet… don’t worry — they’re out there, just being polite giants with amazing night-time manners.

🐾 Want to spot one? Join us and meet the coolest crew in town (they may even snort hello!) 🚤💦

22/05/2025

Such a great video by Nix Kemp of WeeBizzum Photography of our gentle giants that we are sharing again!

Such a graceful animal yet so powerful. Truly our favourite animal in St Lucia and never get bored of seeing them.

21/05/2025

You never know what you'll come across on a night drive with Heritage Tours & Safaris.

Like our favourite animals just chilling, eating and hanging out with their besties!

Thanks to Josselyn De Ruiter and Vermeeren for the sharing!

18/05/2025

Apologies all!
The baby hyena's lost their way and should have appeared on our sister page Wildlife of St Lucia (South Africa) 🙈🙈🙈

Meta business suite decided that they should come and see The Hippos of St Lucia instead 🤣

So if you want to see what other wildlife we live along side in St Lucia, South Africa, please pop across and give us a follow!

17/05/2025

These baby hyenas were seen quite a while ago, but just goes to show you never know what you'll see in St Lucia!

15/05/2025

15/05/2025

Say cheese!

Sometimes the hippos like to pose happily and give us their good side! (although all of their sides are good aren't they?!)

09/05/2025

🌊 Hippos Have Tiny Feet?! 🦛👣

You’d think an animal that weighs over 1,500kg would have massive feet… but nope! 🫢

Hippos actually have short, stubby legs and surprisingly small feet—each with just 4 webbed toes that help spread out their massive weight.

🦛 Their feet may look dainty, but they’re built for power! These webbed toes give them stability on slippery riverbeds and muddy terrain—perfect for life in and around water. 🌿

💡 Fun Fact: Despite their size, hippos can run up to 40 km/h on land 😳

👉 Nature is full of surprises. Who knew something so BIG could stand on something so small?