The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius; / ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs /; pl.: hippopotamuses), often shortened to hippo (pl.: hippos), further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus and river …

Nov 30, 2025 · hippopotamus, (Hippopotamus amphibius), amphibious African ungulate mammal. Often considered to be the second largest land animal (after the elephant), the hippopotamus is …

Mar 10, 2011 · Hippopotamuses are large, semiaquatic mammals native to sub-Saharan Africa. Although their name comes from the Greek for “ river horse ”—because of the time they spend in the …

Mar 19, 2025 · 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 …

Watch a hippo, on land or in the water, and you’ll soon discover that this roly-poly is one of the world’s great characters. It is the most rotund land mammal and spends its daytime hours in lakes, pools, …

Jun 4, 2025 · Hippos - Africa's massive semi-aquatic mammals. Discover their habitat, behavior, diet, and why they're one of the world's most dangerous animals.

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.

Hippo facts for kids. Learn all about where hippos live, what they eat, how they have adapted and more here at National Geographic Kids

Hippos are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A more recent assessment suggests that there are likely between 115,000 to 130,000 common hippos …

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 …