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 …

The hippopotamus, or hippo, is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal. The name hippopotamus comes from an ancient Greek word that translates to mean ‘river horse’ …

Mar 19, 2025 · Hippopotamuses are the second largest land mammals after elephants. 11 The name hippopotamus comes from the ancient Greek words for “river horse”, as these creatures spend most …

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

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 …

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.

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, …

Nov 4, 2024 · Despite their smaller size, they share many characteristics with the common hippo, including their ability to stay underwater for long periods to keep cool. But don't conflate the two; …

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