That's an impressive animal...

I've read that they're about the meanest animal there is - very territorial, very aggressive, etc., as opposed to their standard portrayal as happy plump little guys...

I think that's true. But I've always found them fascinating, more than rhinos or elephants. I think it's the concept of being amphibious...

I am told that old (very, very old) chess boards used Hippos rather than knights...