The ‘Gorgon-Eyed River Horse’ Was 7 Feet Tall with Giant Teeth, Weighing 9,000 Pounds

Hippopotamuses are extremely large and currently hold the title of third largest land animal on Earth. The oldest fossils date hippos as existing for around 20 million years. Today, there are only two species in the Hippopotamidae family — the common hippo and the pygmy hippo. But long ago lived a massive hippo that stood over 7 feet tall and weighed 9,000 lbs called ‘The Gorgon-Eyed River Horse.’

Prehistoric animals were much larger than they are today because their size helped them defend themselves from giant predatory beasts. The different climates and habitats on Earth also allowed life to grow much larger. This article will cover the Hippopotamus gorgops, the largest hippopotamus species to ever live. Even though this species is now extinct, scientists have managed to uncover the mystery of this giant by studying its fossil evidence and what we know about modern hippos.

‘The Gorgon-Eyed River Horse’ Appearance and Size

‘The Gorgon-Eyed River Horse‘ is estimated at 6.9 feet tall and 14 feet long, weighing between 8,600 and 9,900 pounds. What sets this species of hippo apart from others is its eye placement, which sits higher on its skull. Its eyes also made it easier for them to see their surroundings and keep more of their bodies submerged in water.

Hippopotamus gorgops was first described by German scientist Wilhelm Otto Dietrich in 1928. Like modern hippos, this ancient hippo lived in water holes, lakes, and river habitats. 

The appearance of Hippopotamus gorgops likely resembled the modern hippos we see today but much larger. Probably the largest of this species grew even larger than its estimated size. Skulls and teeth are the most common types of fossils uncovered from this species.

Where did Hippopotamus Gorgops Live?

This giant hippo first appeared in Africa in the late Miocene epoch and migrated to southern Europe during the Pleistocene period. Climate change is theorized to be why hippos dispersed into Europe at this time. Their migration likely made it possible for other species of hippos to emerge, like Hippopotamus antiquus, sometimes called the European hippopotamus.

Fossils of Hippopotamus gorgops were also first discovered in Europe.

The Extinction of ‘The Gorgon-Eyed River Horse’

This species of hippo went extinct during the middle Pleistocene period, around 1.6 million years ago, before the great Ice Age began, due, in part, to climate change limiting the habitat they lived in.

But it is still not yet known exactly what caused their extinction. Ancient hippos lived alongside early humans, but with hippos being dangerous creatures, it is highly unlikely humans were a significant factor in their death. 

Today, it is estimated that hippo attacks kill around 500 people yearly. As the largest species in the Hippotoadea family, the Hippopotamus gorgops was likely even more dangerous. 

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