Hippos
Original Painting


David Shepherd

CBE OBE FRSA FGRA





david shepherd original, Hippos

david shepherd hippos original painting rear

'Hippos'
Original oil painting on canvas
Image Size 22.0 x 34.0cm; 8.75 x 13.5in.
Signed David Shepherd and dated 2001 and on the reverse
Complete with traditional English handmade frame
Price, please call 01623 799 309.

Hippopotamuses love water, which is why the Greeks named them the "river horse."
Hippos spend up to 16 hours a day submerged in rivers and lakes to keep their massive bodies cool under the hot African sun.
Hippos are graceful in water, good swimmers, and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes.
However, they are often large enough to simply walk or stand on the lake floor, or lie in the shallows.
Their eyes and nostrils are located high on their heads, which allows them to see and breathe while mostly submerged.
Hippos also bask on the shoreline and secrete an oily red substance, which gave rise to the myth that they sweat blood.
The liquid is actually a skin moistener and sunblock that may also provide protection against germs.