The hippopotamus lives along the rivers and lakes throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Its name comes from the Greek for ‘river horse’ and it’s most closely related to whales and dolphins. Weighing up to 1,500 kilograms, the hippo is the third heaviest land animal after the elephant and rhino. Hippos seek refuge from the heat by staying in water or mud during the day, and at night they come ashore to feed on grasses. The eyes and ears of a hippopotamus are on top of its head, so it can keep watch for enemies —mainly crocodiles — while lying low in the water.

We need your support to create a future for nature and people

One of the biggest threats to hippos is habitat loss and the unregulated or illegal hunting of this species in some countries.

In many areas, humans and hippos are coming into contact with each other more frequently, increasing the chances of conflict. Hippos are said to attack when they feel threatened and are known to kill more people in Africa than any other animal. Also, hippos often graze on crops, thus destroying and damaging the crops and impacting people’s livelihoods.

Hippos are a keystone species and are known as “ecosystem engineers” as their grazing patterns and behaviour help shape and maintain landscapes and habitats and promote biodiversity.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO CREATE A FUTURE FOR PEOPLE AND NATURE

Make a symbolic adoption of a hippo today to show your love and support for our wildlife and wild spaces.

What is WWF doing?

WWF has been involved in species conservation and addressing threats to wildlife since the 1960s. More recently we work closely with rural communities who live near to major wildlife areas. Our influence in wildlife conservation policies assists in balancing environmental goals against social and economic needs. By empowering people, we enable communities to benefit from – and value – wildlife.

This is part of our holistic approach towards ensuring that wildlife is valued by people and able to thrive within functioning, well-managed landscapes.

How does the symbolic adoption work?

First of all: thank you. You’re choosing something different. This is a special gift because it will help protect the beautiful and sometimes fragile environments that surrounds us – for both people and nature.

This is a perfect gift for animal lovers, environmentalists or simply people with a big heart.

What you get

Certificate

A digital symbolic adoption certificate.

Photograph

A beautiful digital photograph.

Cuddly toy

An optional soft toy to love forever. *Toy may vary from image shown.

Regular updates

We'll keep you updated on how you're supporting our vital work including sending you adoption updates two to three times a year.

Did you know?

Hippos can seal up their ears and nostrils to be water-tight

Baby hippos can suckle underwater

They are primarily nocturnal animals

Hippos can run up to 30km/h over short distances