Hippopotamus vs Lion
Quick answer
It is too close to call. The Hippopotamus and the Lion are evenly matched on paper, and in the wild the outcome would come down to size, surprise, and circumstance.
This is a hypothetical, educational comparison based on typical size, strength, and natural weaponry. In the wild these animals rarely meet, and most encounters end without a fight.
Mammal
Vulnerable
Mammal
VulnerableHippopotamus vs Lion compared
| Attribute | Hippopotamus | Lion |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.5 t | 250 kg |
| Length | 4 m | 2.5 m |
| Top speed | 30 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Strength | 88/100 | 85/100 |
| Deadliness | 90/100 | 84/100 |
| Intelligence | 50/100 | 65/100 |
| Lifespan | 45 yr | 14 yr |
Hippopotamus vs Lion: common questions
Who would win in a fight, a Hippopotamus or a Lion?
It is too close to call. The Hippopotamus and the Lion are evenly matched on paper, and in the wild the outcome would come down to size, surprise, and circumstance.
Which is bigger, the Hippopotamus or the Lion?
The Hippopotamus is heavier, weighing around 1,500 kg compared with the other's 250 kg.
Which is faster, the Hippopotamus or the Lion?
The Lion is faster, reaching about 80 km/h versus 30 km/h.
Which lives longer, the Hippopotamus or the Lion?
The Hippopotamus typically lives longer, up to around 45 years compared with 14 years.
Sources & references
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; size, weight, speed, and lifespan figures are drawn from Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) and Nowak, Walker’s Mammals of the World (Johns Hopkins University Press), cross-checked against each species’ own guide. Compare full profiles for habitat, diet, and behaviour:
- Hippopotamus — full guide
IUCN Red List (Vulnerable, Hippopotamus amphibius)
- Lion — full guide
Source-checked detail: Lions can hunt alone as well as with other pride members. Scope: Species-wide behaviour; individual hunts vary. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — lion (2026-09-19).
IUCN Red List (Vulnerable, Panthera leo)
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Animal Diversity Web — University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Life-history, morphology, and measurement data for Hippopotamus and Lion.
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Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker’s Mammals of the World (6th ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.
Standard reference for body size, weight, and life-span ranges.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, and review wildlife comparisons.
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