The Hippopotamus: Africa’s Gentle Giant

The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is one of Africa’s most iconic animals, known for its massive size and semi-aquatic lifestyle. Despite their seemingly calm demeanor, hippos are among the most powerful animals on the continent, capable of reaching up to 4,000 pounds in weight. They spend most of their time in rivers and lakes, cooling their bodies and protecting their sensitive skin from the sun.

Hippos are herbivores, feeding on grass at night, often consuming over 80 pounds in a single evening. Although they appear slow and sluggish, hippos are surprisingly fast and agile both in water and on land. Their presence plays a key role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems, but habitat loss and human conflict have put their populations at risk.