The follow-up to the acclaimed American Alligator offers a rare look at one of the largest and most dangerous animals. The hippopotamus, commonly known as hippo, inhabits rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps in Africa. Its name derives from the ancient Greek for «river horse». Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it races up to 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances. Though they look kind of cute with their roundish shape, one should not underestimate these animals by any means. Hippos are dreaded for their severely hostile territorial behaviour. Females are particularly defensive if anyone gets between them and their young.