Natgeo presents with Red Symons: A three-tonne amphibious tank dominates
Africa’s marshlands – wielding powerful jaws, fearsome foot-long
canines, and a hide as tough as nails. Hippos are considered one of the
most dangerous animals; by some accounts, they kill more people in
Africa than any other beast. These unlikely athletes are capable of
surprising speed and agility, with the ability to run nearly 30 miles an
hour and corner on a dime. Their muscle-wrapped jaws are powerful
enough to bite through small boats and their canines are sharp enough to
rip open a lion but they are strictly plant eaters. Footage of hippos
battling each other and of a hippo repelling lion claws and outrunning
the pack are simply amazing. Groundbreaking discoveries about hippo DNA
are rewriting natural history, proving the species is closely related to
dolphins and whales. New research also proves it’s not a good idea to
sneak up on hippos as they can hear above and below the water at the
same time. Analysis of their calls reveals a complex form of
communication that amazes all who study the animals. From a fatal attack
on a group of river tourists in Zambia, to the mauling of a fisherman
in South Africa, find out what triggers such attacks and learn why this
creature is worthy of respect and admiration