The common hippopotamus is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal in Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s one of two extant species of the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus. It is the third largest mammal after the elephant and rhinoceros. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word for ‘river horse’, hippos – horse and potamus – river. An adult male can weigh up to 3,300 lbs. They are semi-aquatic, inhabiting rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps. It is highly aggressive and unpredictable and as such, is listed as one of Africa’s most dangerous animals.