I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

Kelly Vazquez
Dec 25, 2025
2 min read

It's a catchy song.

And we've all heard it.

Maybe even in the last 24 hours.

But...DID YOU KNOW that hippos are quite dangerous?

When I was in Africa in 2010, I was SURPRISED to learn that hippos kill more people than lions, crocodiles, and elephants...COMBINED.

Yup- hippos are one among the most dangerous animals in Africa - even these cuties.

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So, if you truly did wish for a hippopotamus for Christmas, I can only hope that you kept that information to yourself :)

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And if you were thinking of asking Santa for a hippopotamus for Christmas next year, here are 10 facts about hippos that I want you to consider before writing that fate-sealing letter.

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1.) Hippos are extremely territorial and unpredictable.

2.) They have been known to attack and capsize boats they assume to be predators.

3.) They attack people who are swimming or are too close to the water.

4.) Hippos can hold their breath underwater for upwards of 5 minutes- so basically they are hide and seek experts. Yeah- he's probably watching you right now...

5.) They have sensitive skin and spend most of their time in water and mud, often using their mud pits as toilets. So, if you do obtain a hippo, you might need to invest in a large swimming pool in your backyard.

6.) So be prepared to heighten your sewage system. Oh, and also avoid the fancy swimming pool yourself, because, you know, certain death and such.

7.) They can weight up to 7,000 lbs!

8.) They can run at speeds of 19 miles per hour. As a comparison, an average adult might run 7-8 mph. Yeah- he's gonna catch you...and crack you like an egg.

9.) They have a mouth of terrifying teeth that can reach up to 20 inches in length! Someone is going to have to clean those things and I don't think your local Dental Associates will likely accept him as a new patient.

10.) The bite force of a hippo is 1800 psi!!!

MEANING...Their bite can cut a human body in half!!!

I don't know if this list provided any visuals for you, but it sure did for me!