Hippo

Looking at a hippopotamus, you might think it's a slow, gentle giant that loves to laze around all day. And it's true, hippos spend most of their time in rivers and lakes, keeping their huge bodies cool under the African sun. But don't be fooled! Underneath that sleepy appearance is a super strong and surprisingly fast animal.

Hippos are the guardians of the waterways, with massive mouths that can open wider than any other land animal, revealing enormous teeth. They can gallop on land faster than most people can run! While they are vegetarians and munch on grass at night, they are also very protective and can be one of the most powerful and dangerous animals in all of Africa.

DID YOU KNOW?

SPF

Hippos have built-in sunscreen! Their skin oozes a special pinkish oil that looks like blood or sweat, but it actually works to protect their sensitive skin from sunburn.

Leather Submarine

A hippo's eyes, ears, and nostrils are all on the top of its head. This brilliant design allows it to see, hear, and breathe while almost completely submerged underwater, like a living submarine!

Aquatic Acrobatics

Hippos don't actually swim. They are so dense that they walk or run along the bottom of the river, gracefully pushing themselves off the bottom to bounce and glide through the water.

Image of a Hippo rearing out of the water.

Hippos spend most of their time lying in the water.

Image of a hippo in the evening.

At night, hippos leave the water to find food.

Silhouette of a hippo in the water.

Hippos are one of Africa's most dangerous animals!

Image of a Hippo rearing out of the water.

Hippos spend most of their time lying in the water.

1/6

Hippo Conservation

Despite their great size and strength, hippos need our help to stay safe. They are losing their homes as rivers are changed by dams and their grazing lands are taken over by farms. A big problem is that hippos need to find water and grass every single night to survive, and when their paths are blocked by fences or towns, it causes trouble. They are also hunted for their long ivory teeth. This is why hippos are now considered Vulnerable, which means there is a real danger that their families could get much smaller. By protecting Africa's rivers and wild spaces, we are making sure these magnificent water giants can splash and grunt for generations to come.

Here are some reputable organisation links, where you can read more about the conservation of the hippo.

African Wildlife Foundation

Hippo Specialist Group

Save Wildlife Conservation Fund