Rhino vs Hippo — Easy Comparison for a 6-year-old

Rhinos and hippos are both very big animals. Here are simple, fun facts to help you tell them apart.

How they look

• Rhino: Has thick gray skin and one or two horns on its nose. Looks tall and heavy.
• Hippo: Has very wide mouth, big teeth (tusks), and smooth grayish-brown skin. Looks chunky and round.

Skin, horns, and teeth

• Rhino: Horns on nose made of the same stuff as our hair and nails. Skin is rough.
• Hippo: No horns. Big front teeth (tusks) and huge mouths. Skin is smoother and they keep wet a lot.

Where they live

• Rhino: Mostly lives on land in grasslands or forests. Likes mud sometimes.
• Hippo: Loves water! Spends time in rivers and lakes and comes out to eat at night.

What they eat

• Rhino: Eats plants and grass.
• Hippo: Eats mostly grass too, but stays near water.

Babies

• Rhino baby: Called a calf. Stays with its mom.
• Hippo baby: Also called a calf. Babies can stay near water and swim with their mom.

Are they dangerous?

• Yes. Both can run fast and can be very strong. They will protect themselves if they feel scared.
• Never go near a rhino or hippo in the wild. Always watch animals from far away with an adult.

Fun facts

• Rhinos use their horns to dig or fight. The horn is not a weapon like in cartoons, it is part of their body.
• Hippos can open their mouths very wide — almost 180 degrees!
• Both need help from people to stay safe because some kinds are rare.

Which one do you like more — the horned rhino or the big-mouthed hippo?