The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius; / ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs /; pl.: hippopotamuses), often shortened to hippo (pl.: hippos), further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus and river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa.
hippopotamus, (Hippopotamus amphibius), amphibious African ungulate mammal. Often considered to be the second largest land animal (after the elephant), the hippopotamus is comparable in size and weight to the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).
Hippopotamuses are large mammals found in sub-Saharan Africa. Their name comes from the Greek word for “river horse” because they're often found in water, which helps them stay cool in the hot,...
There are two species of hippopotamus: the river, or common, hippo and the much smaller pygmy hippo. Hippos have unique skin that needs to be kept wet for a good part of the day.
Hippos are the second biggest animal on land. These water-loving creatures spend most of their time wallowing in mud but can be aggressive and dangerous if they feel their territory is being invaded. They eat 50kg of grass every evening and excrete millions of tonnes of poo into Africa’s rivers every year.
Hippo facts for kids. Learn all about where hippos live, what they eat, how they have adapted and more here at National Geographic Kids
What is a hippo? There are two species of hippos — the large/common hippo and the smaller relative, the pygmy hippo. Hippos are the third-largest living land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos.
Weighing up to 8,000 pounds, hippos are the heaviest land animals after the elephant. They seek refuge from the heat by living in water during the day, and at night they come ashore to feed on short, soft grasses and fallen fruit.