Hippos: The Origin of their Name and Other Animal Naming Facts

Large semi-aquatic creatures known as hippos, or hippopotamuses, are indigenous to Africa. They are infamous for having big fangs and acting aggressively, and they may weigh up to 3,000 pounds. But have you ever pondered how they got their name?

The words “hippos” and “potamus,” which in ancient Greek meant “horse” and “river,” respectively, are the origin of the word “hippopotamus.” This is appropriate considering that hippos are frequently called “river horses” due to their large size and the fact that they spend a lot of time in the water.

Other than hippos, numerous animals have intriguing and distinctive names. The “quokka,” a tiny mammal that is native to Australia, is a well-known example. The word “little animal” in its name is a Nyungar word. The quokka is widely regarded as having the sweetest name of any mammal.

It’s crucial to remember that there are specific laws and standards that change depending on where you want to open your zoo if you’re interested in doing so. The National Parks Service, for instance, controls zoo construction and operation in Nigeria. In order to open a zoo in Nigeria, one must apply for and be granted a permission from the National Parks Service.

Enugu, a city in Nigeria, doesn’t currently have a functioning zoo. However, there have previously been plans to establish one. There have been no updates on the project since the Enugu State government announced plans to erect a top-notch zoo there in 2016.

In conclusion, the Greek words for “horse” and “river” are the origin of the word “hippopotamus”. The word “quokka” and the term “kit” for a young fox are only two examples of the many unusual and distinctive names given to animals. The National Parks Service must grant permission for the establishment of a zoo, and all rules must be followed. Last but not least, despite intentions to build a zoo in Enugu, the city does not currently have one.