The hippopotamus is semi-aquatic, inhabiting rivers and lakes where territorial bulls preside over a stretch of river and groups of 5 to 30 females and young. During the day they remain cool by staying in the water or mud; reproduction and childbirth both occur in water. They emerge at dusk to graze on grass. While hippopotamuses rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos are not territorial on land.

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Despite its stocky shape and short legs, the hippo can easily outrun a human. Hippos have been clocked at 29 km/h over short distances. The hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive creatures in the world, and is often regarded as the most ferocious animal in Africa