Hippo

A hippopotamus, or hippo for short, are the second heaviest land mammals. The hippos are one of the most cherished zoo animals. A common hippo is much bigger than the pygmy hippo. A hippopotamus is one of the most common zoo animals.

Facts on hippopotamus

Below are some facts on hippopotamus or the hippos. We distinguish between the common hippo and the pygmy hippo in our facts about the hippopotamus.

Where does the name Hippopotamus or hippo come from?

The name Hippopotamus comes from a Greek word meaning “water or river horse.” But hippopotamus or hippos are not related to horses at all. Hippopotamus or Hippos' closest living relative is the pig.

Pictures of hippopotamus 

Below are pictures of hippopotamus

A pair of Hippos at the Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, California

A male hippo and a female hippo side by side

Which zoo animals are heavier than the hippos?

Hippopotamuses or the hippos are only second heaviest to the elephant. Common hippopotamuses are much bigger than the pygmy hippopotamuses Hexaprotodon liberiensis.

<< Previous    [1]  2    Next >>