i thought a hippo was a horse...
You are not far off ...the name 'hippopatamus'is greek for 'river horse.' However, it is not related to horses (this whole whale vs pig debate has been on for a while ....last I read on it whales had won, but now it seems the pendulum never stopped swinging).
Anyways, on Hippos ....most dangerous animal in Africa, easily. They kill more people than any other. Particularly for anyone stupid enough to walk about at night (when they come out to feed), or between the hours of dusk and dawn when they are getting out of the river/going back into the river. Suffice it to say, a Bull hippo charging you, with 4 foot long razor sharp 'tusks' (huge vicious looking teeth) and a mouth that can open over 120-140 degrees, is an African experience unlike any other.