River Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
The most rotund land mammal, with adults reaching roughly 4 tons; its eyes, ears, and nostrils sit on top of the skull so it can see, hear, and breathe while the rest of the body stays submerged.
Its skin is 4–6 cm thick and secretes a reddish oily substance that functions as both sunscreen and antibiotic, requiring the animal to stay wet daily to avoid drying out.
Though strictly herbivorous, hippos are among Africa’s most aggressive animals, with a bite force estimated at about three times a lion’s.
This individual lives at the San Diego Zoo’s Urban Jungle habitat, home to resident female Funani and her calf Amahle (born February 8, 2020). The species is classified as Threatened, driven by poaching and habitat loss.