A hippo submerged in the water up to its mouth

Hippopotamuses - Disney Animals
Attraction located in Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Discover the power and surprising grace of the mighty, water-loving hippopotamus.

Hippos at Walt Disney World Resort

Living together in groups called “bloats,” hippos make their home in the calm rivers and lakes of Sub-Saharan Africa. These enormous amphibious mammals don’t swim. Instead, they walk along the bottom of the water, holding their breath for up to 5 minutes before they push themselves gracefully to the surface.

Be on the lookout for hippos during the following experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:


Home Away From Home

Disney animal care experts are dedicated to creating natural habitats that cater to the specific needs of hippos.

Here’s a look inside the life of a hippo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:


  • The Right Ambience: With waterfalls, rocks, shaded trees and wading pools galore, this habitat encourages the hippos to explore and interact with their surroundings.

  • Veterinary Care and Training: The hippos are trained using tasty treats—like whole watermelons—as a reward. The hippos are trained to open their mouths on cue so animal care experts can inspect their teeth. Plus, the hippos follow sound cues to shift from onstage to backstage areas.

  • A Buffet Every Day: The hippos are provided with a wide variety of plant options to eat daily.

Disney Conservation: Saving Hippopotamuses

Despite their immense size, hippos face many threats, including habitat loss and poaching.

The Walt Disney Company is committed to saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature together as a global community. The Disney Conservation Fund* has supported projects throughout Africa since 1995 to protect the wildlife and habitats of this vast continent.

Location

Related Activities

Wild Africa Trek

Enjoy close encounters with African wildlife during this privately guided VIP tour.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Glimpse real African animals in open-air habitats during an expedition in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

Mombasa Marketplace

Safari for souvenirs at this uniquely themed shop featuring Africa-themed merchandise.

*The Disney Conservation Fund is supported by The Walt Disney Company and Guests of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, with 100% of Guest contributions matched by Disney and directed to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Disney covers all costs of managing the fund. The Disney Conservation Fund is not a charitable organization, and donations are not deductible as charitable contributions for U.S. tax purposes.