Hippos reproduce about every two years in the wild. Gestation lasts from 190 to 210 days, with births occurring during the rainy season. Mother and offspring will stay separate from the herd for 10 to 14 days after birth. Offspring are weaned about eight months after birth. Life Cycle Female hippos with offspring usually live in groups of 10 to 15 individuals, but groups of up to 150 have been reported.
Adult males are solitary but sometimes form bachelor groups.
Solitary males are usually territorial and their territories often include a group of females with offspring. Males maintain their territories for four to eight years and during this time hold the exclusive mating rights to resident females. Non-territorial males do not breed. This name suits the hippo, which spends its days in or near water. At night, aquatic groups of hippos break up, individuals go to shore, and females and their infants stay together.