The African hippopotamus is a semi-aquatic mammal native to Sub-Saharan Africa and one of the largest terrestrial mammals. Despite their bulky appearance, hippos are surprisingly fast and agile, capable of reaching speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour both in water and on land. Hippos are herbivores, spending most of their day in rivers or lakes to cool off and feed on aquatic plants and their nights grazing on land. Their large teeth, elongated canines and incisors that can grow up to 50 centimeters long and weigh over 5 pounds each, are used for both defense and foraging and are one of their most unique features. 

Hippos have a highly social structure, living in groups called pods led by dominant males known as bulls. These bulls defend their territory and mates fiercely, and battles between males can be violent and deadly. Hippos are considered to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, responsible for more human deaths annually than any other large animal on the continent. Hippos are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and poaching, which has resulted in a reduction in their populations. Conservation efforts include habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and community-based conservation programs.