Hippos: Not “Hippoes”!

What’s in a Name?

Many people wonder: is it hippos or hippoes? The correct plural of “hippopotamus” is hippos (or, more formally, hippopotamuses). “Hippoes” is a common mistake but not standard English.

The word comes from Greek: hippos (horse) + potamos (river) = “river horse.”

Fascinating Hippo Facts

• Hippos spend up to 16 hours a day in water to stay cool.
• Despite their size, they can run up to 30 km/h (19 mph) on land.
• They secrete a natural “sunscreen” that looks like blood—but it’s actually an oily, red-colored substance that protects their skin.
• Hippos are herbivores and eat about 40 kg (88 lbs) of grass each night.
• They’re highly territorial and considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.

Habitat & Conservation

Hippos are native to sub-Saharan Africa, primarily found in rivers, lakes, and swamps. Sadly, their populations are declining due to habitat loss and poaching.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the common hippo as Vulnerable, with an estimated population of 115,000–130,000 individuals.

Did You Know?

Hippos can’t swim! Instead, they walk or bounce along the bottom of rivers. Their dense bodies sink, so they rely on pushing off the riverbed to move through water.

They also communicate underwater using vocalizations that travel through both air and water simultaneously—a rare trait among mammals!