Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 31, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Animals

Hippopotamus

The hippopotamus is a large, mostly herbivorous African mammal adapted to life in rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Updated July 31, 20261 min readCited sources

The hippopotamus is a large, mostly herbivorous African mammal adapted to life in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. It is among the largest land mammals and is known for its territorial behaviour and dangerous encounters with humans.

What it is

The hippopotamus is a massive semi-aquatic mammal with a barrel-shaped body, short legs, and a large head. Two living species are recognized: the common hippopotamus and the pygmy hippopotamus. It is the second-largest land animal after the elephant.

Key details

Hippos spend most of the day in water to keep cool and protect their skin, then graze on land at night. They are social animals that live in groups in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their size, they can run up to 19–22 mph (30–35 km/h) over short distances on land.

Why it matters

Hippos are considered highly dangerous because they are large, territorial, and responsible for many human fatalities in Africa. They are also a familiar species in Canadian zoos, wildlife documentaries, and conservation education, though not native to Canada.

In short

  • Hippos are the second-largest land animals after elephants.
  • They can run up to 19–22 mph on land over short distances.
  • Hippos are herbivores that mainly eat grass.
  • They are highly territorial and dangerous to humans.
Canadian angle

Hippos are not native to Canada, but they are a familiar species in Canadian zoos, wildlife documentaries, and conservation education.

Quick questions

How fast can a hippo run?
A hippo can run up to about 19–22 mph (30–35 km/h) over short distances on land.
Are hippos dangerous?
Yes. Hippos are highly territorial and can be very aggressive toward people and other animals; they are responsible for many human deaths in Africa.
What do hippos eat?
Hippos are herbivores that mainly eat grass, but they also eat leaves, fruit, and aquatic plants.

Sources

  1. Discover Wildlife — https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/facts-about-hippos
    Supports: Hippo size, speed, diet, and danger
  2. BBC Earth — https://www.bbcearth.com/factfiles/animals/mammals/hippo
    Supports: Hippo speed, size, and general behaviour