Thanks T-bone, Joe and Kenny.
The "yawn" is probably a warning gesture, made by large males to remind all of their size (bigger IS better). With a few humans within 50-70 feet, it was probably also a sign of indecision. Hippos don't really know what to make of humans; we're so small, yet often act so unafraid. And their DNA doesn't include anything about us.
Sorry, Kenny, but hippopotamuses is correct (your way may also be acceptable).
That's why everyone calls them hippos- that way they don't have to worry about the complicated spelling OR what the plural is .
Charlie
Thanks Alan, Scott and Lazlo.
I didn't make it to Tanzania- just Kenya, where I went on a 2-week cheapskate camping safari.
The food was good as long as you liked scrambled eggs and toast for every meal. Plus we slept on the dirt, and used holes in the ground for toilets. My tent kept the water out except when it rained. Big deal.
Our Nissan van never got stuck; it had a pop-top that permitted us to stand when we were near wildlife, our driver/guide was excellent and accommodating to our desires, we went to several national parks and a real Masaii village, and I saw many good views of all the animals except leopard and rhinoceroses (which I regretted, but that was just the way it was).
Not a perfect tour, but for $500 (20+ years ago and arranged in Nairobi- not the US), I got good value and had a wonderful experience.
Charlie
