Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus – or hippo for short – is a very sizeable animal with its heavy-set frame, barrel-shaped torso, enormous mouth fitted with incredibly sharp teeth, and its stubby legs.
Hippos are amongst the heaviest of all animals with weights estimated to be between 1500 and 1800kg; these stats are sketchy as it is almost near impossible to weigh hippos out in the wild. Visitors to the esteemed Kruger National Park should not be fooled, however, by the hippo’s apparent non-threatening appearance and lackadaisical manner. They are known to become quite aggressive and are regarded as one of Africa’s most ferocious animals if approached by non-vigilant humans, therefore visitors are advised to approach with extreme caution and to remain in their vehicles during the course of their safari tour.
Despite their striking resemblance to pigs, their closest relatives include porpoises and whales, with their common ancestor believed to have split from other even-toed ungulates some 60 million years ago. The hippo is a semi-aquatic animal inhabiting the lakes and rivers of sub-Saharan Africa in groups of between 5-30 members and its lifespan ranges from 40 to 50 years of age. Hippos spend most of their days sitting in water or wallowing in mud along with other members of their group; the water aids them in keeping cool, while reproduction and birthing are done in the water as well. Interestingly, hippos cannot actually swim and when in the water, they tend to propel themselves by leaping from the bottom of the river.
Hippos are known for their very violent tempers and are particularly hostile to crocodiles especially if young hippos are in the vicinity; Nile crocs as well as lions and hyenas may prey upon the young. Today, the hippo finds itself threatened and endangered because of rampant poaching for their meat and ivory canine teeth, as well as loss of natural habitat.