The hippopotamus, dubbed ‘river horse’ from Greek roots, commands respect in watery realms despite no horse lineage. These African giants, now stars at Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan in Patna, tip scales at 3,200 kg on grass alone, showcasing evolutionary prowess.
Short legs bear immense bulk, topped by a head where eyes, ears, and nose protrude ideally for submerged life. This setup lets them monitor surroundings without surfacing fully; nostrils and ears clamp shut on demand.
As night falls, herds exit waters to munch 50+ kg of vegetation, retreating pre-sunrise to dodge UV damage. Agile despite size, they hit 48 km/h in charges. Leather-like skin, oily secretions keeping it supple, once burnished diamonds—a testament to durability.
Yet peril stalks them. IUCN lists common hippos as Vulnerable, pygmies as Endangered amid habitat destruction, climate shifts, and illicit hunts for trophies and flesh. Pygmy conservation battles logging; commons fight pollution and dams.
Their role transcends survival: hippos fertilize soils with dung, churn sediments for clearer streams, and carve trails benefiting fish and birds. In zoos, they educate on biodiversity’s fragility. Saving hippos means preserving vibrant aquatic worlds.