Hippopotamus

africa · big mammal · rivers

River horse. The name hippopotamus comes from Ancient Greek words meaning "river horse," which fits this water-loving giant perfectly.

African native. Hippos live in sub-Saharan Africa, the part of the continent south of the Sahara Desert.

Half in water. Hippos are semiaquatic, meaning they spend lots of time both in water and on land.

Just two kinds. There are only two living species in the hippo family: the common hippopotamus and the smaller pygmy hippopotamus.