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

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

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,...

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, …

Mar 20, 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 …

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 …

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.

Sub-Saharan Africa is the home to the one of the heaviest land mammals in the world — the hippopotamus. Their dense bodies make it impossible for them to swim, even though they spend …

The hippopotamus is the second largest mammal on earth. Learn more about the hippo’s habitat, diet, strength, threats, and other interesting facts.