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How long does a hippopotamus last?

Typical lifespan
40–55 yr

A semi-aquatic grazer, the third-heaviest land mammal and among the most dangerous to people.

How that compares

Hippopotamus against things of a similar time.

Orca 30–90 yr
American alligator 35–70 yr
Humpback whale 45–100 yr
Piano 30–100 yr
Hippopotamus 40–55 yr
White rhinoceros 35–50 yr
Giant manta ray 40–50 yr
Leatherback sea turtle 30–50 yr

What that means over time

Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.
Period How many you would buy
Per year 0.0222 replacements
Over 10 years 1 of them
Over a 30-year mortgage 1 of them

Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

More about a hippopotamus

Common questions

How long does a hippopotamus last?
A hippopotamus lasts 40–55 yr.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked