Est. 2014

The internet’s most complete reference on the hippopotamus

HippoWorlds started in 2014 as a simple collection of hippo facts. Over the years it grew into something more ambitious: a structured, research-backed reference covering every aspect of hippopotamus biology, behaviour, conservation, and culture — built for curious people who want real answers, not summaries.

We cover both living hippopotamus species — the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), the third-largest land mammal on Earth, and the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis), a shy forest animal with fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. We also cover their evolution, their cultural presence from ancient Egypt to modern cinema, and the conservation challenges both species face today.

Every article on HippoWorlds is written to be accurate, current, and useful — whether you’re a student looking for facts, a wildlife enthusiast planning a safari, or someone who just watched a nature documentary and wants to know more.

What you’ll find here

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Biology & Behaviour

Teeth, speed, blood sweat, reproduction, social structure — how hippos actually work.

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Species & Evolution

The two living species, extinct relatives, and their surprising link to whales.

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Hippo vs

Crocodile, elephant, rhino, lion, gorilla, tiger — seven comparisons with clear verdicts.

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Hippos & Humans

Conservation, habitat, where to see them, Pablo Escobar’s hippos, and more.

The hippopotamus is Vulnerable. Both living species face declining populations driven by habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Understanding them is the first step toward caring about their future. If you want to learn more, start with our conservation guide.