In Greek, hippo means horse and potamus means river, so the animal is a "river-horse." Historically, hippos lived all over the African continent, but in the 21st century, they only live in East Africa and in restricted, scattered locations across central and West Africa. Hippopotamus amphibius can weigh up to 8,000 lbs. read more
Baby hippos are born underwater at a weight between 25 and 50 kg (55 and 110 lb) and an average length of around 127 cm (4.17 ft), and must swim to the surface to take their first breaths. A mother typically gives birth to only one calf, although twins also occur. read more
The average female weighs around 3,000 lbs. (1,400 kilograms) while males weigh 3,500 to 9,920 lbs. (1,600 to 4,500 kg) according to the San Diego Zoo. Underwater, the Nile hippos would glide with their limbs folded beneath their bodies, occasionally pushing off the bottom of the tank with one leg, only making contact with their digits. read more