A hippo (short for hippopotamus) is a massive, barrel-shaped mammal that spends most of its time in the rivers and lakes of Africa. Despite their chunky appearance and short legs, hippos are surprisingly fast and can run up to 30 miles per hour on land, faster than most humans.

Hippos might look slow and peaceful as they lounge in the water with just their eyes, ears, and nostrils poking above the surface, but they're actually one of Africa's most dangerous animals. They're fiercely territorial and have enormous jaws that can open nearly 180 degrees, revealing tusk-like teeth that can grow over a foot long.

Adult hippos can weigh up to 4,000 pounds and eat around 80 pounds of grass each night. During the day, they stay in the water to keep their sensitive skin cool and moist. Groups of hippos, sometimes called pods or bloats, can include many individuals living together in the same area.