Hippopotamus, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya (© David Tipling/Alamy)

【July 11 2013】Cartoons have lent the hippopotamus a "cute" factor in the Western world. However, the semiaquatic herbivore is one of the toughest beasts in its native habitat. Throughout central and southern Africa, the hippo's size and surprising speed make it difficult, and unlikely, prey for crocodiles and big cats. At the same time, encounters between hippos and humans often end badly for the humans—hippos reportedly kill more people than any other animal in Africa. Explore breathtaking Gallery from the HuluTrip homepage over the past 5 years..