Hippopotamuses

Hippopotamuses, also known as the “river horses,” live along the rivers and lakes throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Weighing up to 8,000 pounds, hippos are the heaviest land animals after the elephant. They seek refuge from the heat by living in water during the day, and at night they come ashore to feed on short, soft grasses and fallen fruit. The eyes and ears of hippos are on top of their head, so they can keep watch for enemies—mainly crocodiles—while lying low in the water. These giants are currently at risk from habitat loss.