Every year on World Hippo Day, we take a moment to celebrate one of Africa’s most fascinating and misunderstood animals, the mighty hippopotamus.
The name “hippopotamus” comes from the ancient Greek for “river horse,” and while they may look calm and slow as they lounge in the water, these giants are full of surprises. An adult hippo can weigh over 1,500 kg, yet they can run surprisingly fast on land. During the heat of the day, they spend most of their time submerged in rivers and dams to keep cool, emerging at night to graze on grasses along the riverbanks.
Hippos are highly social animals, often found in groups called pods. From dramatic yawns (which are actually displays of dominance) to playful splashing in the shallows, they’re always entertaining to watch when spotted out on safari.
One of the most fascinating ways to truly appreciate these incredible creatures is by understanding their sheer size, and that’s where a special feature in our main area comes in. We have a real hippo skull on display, giving guests the opportunity to get up close and see just how powerful these animals really are. From their enormous jaws to their impressive tusks, it’s a hands-on reminder of the strength and presence these river giants command in the wild.
Keep your camera ready on safari, you never know when you’ll spot a pod enjoying the water or giving an impressive yawn.