Despite the slow, lethargic appearance of the hippopotamus they can move very fast. Living in the rivers and swamps across East Africa they take after their name which means “river horse”. They spend most of the day partially submerged in the water, protecting themselves from the heat and sunburn. The ears, eyes and nostrils are situated on on the head so they are clear of the water when mostly submerged.

On average they live in herds of between 5-15 animals, ususally consisting of dominant bull that defends the territory. The characteristic yawning is a dominance signal and warning to intruders.

Hippos are nocturnal animals and at night they will leave the water to eat. Even though they have big incisor teeth they play little part in feeding as hippos are grazers and 90% of their diet is grass. If needed, they will travel several miles to reach fresh grass.

They can swim well and walk along the bottom of the river-beds while submerged.

Along with the Pgymy Hippopotamus they make up the Hippopotamidae family.