INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE AFRICAN HIPPO

1. The name "hippopotamus" comes from the Greek words "hippos" meaning "horse" and "potamus" meaning “river.”

2. The hippopotamus is only one of two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus.

3. Despite their cumbersome appearance, hippos can run up to 30 kilometers per hour on land, making them one of the fastest animals in the water.

4. Hippos can hold their breath underwater for up to six minutes.

5. Hippos are semi-aquatic animals, spending most of their time in rivers and lakes but also grazing on land at night.

6. The hippopotamus is considered to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, responsible for more human deaths than any other big animal on the continent.

7. Hippos are herbivores and eat up to 68 kg of grass per day.

8. Hippos have skin up to 2.5 centimeters thick, which helps protect them from sunburn and injury.

9. Male hippos use their large jaws and teeth as weapons to defend their territories and mating rights.

10. A group of hippos is called a "bloat" or a "pod."