Below we will talk about the big guys of the wild. The giants of animal kingdom. The fierce fellas who make make rest of the creatures shudder. Let’s talk about Rhino vs Hippo vs Elephant where we will find out how they compare in size, speed, strength and more. We will also figure out what happens when they fight it out.
So without further ado, let’s began!
Rhino vs Hippo vs Elephant – Appearance:
Rhinoceroses, Elephants, and Hippopotamuses are some of the largest land animals on the planet, but they differ in various ways. Let’s take a closer look at each of these magnificent creatures.

Rhinos have tough, thick skin that provides a natural armor against predators. Their skin folds into intricate plates, giving them the appearance of armor. Rhinos have two horns, with the front one being larger and typically growing up to 5 feet long. They can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Hippos have thick skin that is tough but sensitive to the sun, so they spend a lot of time in the water. Their skin secretes a red, oily substance that acts as a natural sunscreen. Hippos have long, sharp teeth but no horns or tusks. They can weigh up to 4,000 pounds and can grow up to 5 feet tall.

Elephants have a distinctive wrinkled skin that can be up to an inch thick in some areas. Their skin is sensitive to the sun, so they protect themselves by coating themselves in mud. Elephants have ivory tusks that can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. They can weigh up to 13,000 pounds and can stand up to 13 feet tall.
In terms of overall appearance, rhinos have a distinct prehistoric look with their armored skin and large horns. Elephants have a more friendly appearance with their wrinkled skin, long trunks, and big ears. Hippos have a unique look with their barrel-shaped body and short legs.
In conclusion, rhinos, elephants, and hippos all have distinct features that make them fascinating animals to observe. While their skin, size, tusks, horns, and overall appearance differ, they are all amazing creatures that deserve our respect and admiration.
So Who Is Biggest of them All?
Elephants are generally the largest among rhinos, elephants, and hippos. They can weigh up to 13,000 pounds and can stand up to 13 feet tall. Rhinos can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and can grow up to 6 feet tall, while hippos can weigh up to 4,000 pounds and can grow up to 5 feet tall. Overall, rhinos, elephants, and hippos are all large and captivating animals with unique characteristics.
Rhino vs Hippo vs Elephant – Intelligence and Lifestyle:
Rhinos are solitary animals that are known for their aggressive behavior and thick, armored skin. They are intelligent and have a strong sense of smell, but have poor eyesight. Rhinos use their single horn for self-defense and fighting with other rhinos.

Hippos are also social animals that live in groups near water. They are herbivores and spend much of their time in the water, where their thick skin helps to protect them from the sun and predators. Despite their large size, hippos can run and swim quickly. They are known for their aggressive behavior, especially when they feel threatened. Hippos have large teeth and tusks that they use to defend themselves and their territory.

Elephants are highly social animals that live in large groups called herds. They are intelligent and have a remarkable memory, capable of remembering other elephants and places they have been. Elephants have two tusks made of ivory and use them for a variety of purposes, including foraging and self-defense. Their thick skin is wrinkled and gray, and they have large ears that they use to regulate their body temperature.
Ultimately, rhinos are solitary animals that rely on their senses to communicate. Elephants are intelligent and social animals that form strong bonds with their herd members and have a remarkable memory. Hippos, on the other hand, are social animals that form large groups and communicate through vocalizations and body language while fiercely defending their territory. Each animal has unique behavior, intelligence, and social lives that make them special in their own way.
Rhino vs Hippo vs Elephant – What do they eat?
Rhinos are herbivores, which means they eat only plants. Their favorite food is grass, but they also eat leaves, twigs, shoots, and fruit. They have tough lips and teeth that are adapted for browsing on tough vegetation.
Hippos are also herbivores, but they mostly eat aquatic plants like water hyacinths and grasses. They also eat fruits and vegetables that grow on land near the water. Hippos are known to travel long distances on land to find food and will even climb steep banks to reach their favorite plants.

Elephants are herbivores as well and can eat up to 300 pounds of food per day! Their favorite foods are grass, bark, leaves, and fruit. They use their long trunks to grasp and pull food into their mouths, and their tusks to dig up roots and break branches.
While all three animals are herbivores, their diets vary greatly. Rhinos prefer grass and other tough vegetation, elephants eat a variety of vegetation including bark and leaves, and hippos primarily eat aquatic plants. Understanding their diets helps us understand how these animals have adapted to their environments and helps us appreciate their unique characteristics.
Are they Endangered?
Rhinos are critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching for their valuable horns. There are around 27,990 rhinos left in the world as per World Animal Foundation. They are mainly found in Africa and Asia.
Hippos are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting for their meat and ivory teeth. There are around 125,000 hippos left in the world. Hippos are mainly found in Africa.
Elephants are also facing threats due to habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks. There are around 400,000 elephants left in the world. Elephants are mainly found in Africa and Asia.
In conclusion, all three animals face threats to their survival, largely due to human activities. It is important to protect their habitats and stop poaching and hunting to ensure their continued existence in the wild.
Rhino vs Hippo vs Elephant: Who Wins A Fight?

Given the endangered statuses of all these three magnificent animals, it wouldn’t be much wise for us to put them into a fight. However we can still discuss what happens if it happens while wishing it never happens, can’t we? So here goes.
Rhinos are smaller than elephants, but still strong and powerful. They can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Their skin is thick and tough, which provides natural armor against predators. In a fight, a rhino would charge at its opponents with its horn and powerful body.
Elephants are much larger and stronger than rhinos. They can weigh up to 13,000 pounds and can stand up to 13 feet tall. Their size and strength make them formidable opponents in a fight. In a battle, elephants use their long tusks, trunks, and powerful bodies to defend themselves and attack their opponents.
Hippos may not be as big as elephants, but they are still incredibly strong and dangerous. They can weigh up to 4,000 pounds and can grow up to 5 feet tall. Hippos have sharp teeth and powerful jaws that can crush bones and tear flesh. In a fight, a hippo would use its weight and strength to charge at its opponents and bite them with its sharp teeth.
Okay! But Who Wins?
In a three-way fight between a rhino, elephant, and hippo, it’s difficult to predict a clear winner. However, given their sheer size and strength, the elephant would likely come out on top.
The rhino’s horn and tough skin could give it an advantage, but the elephant’s long tusks and powerful trunk would give it a range of deadly weapons to use against its opponents. The hippo’s sharp teeth and powerful jaws would also make it a dangerous opponent, but it’s unlikely that it could withstand the combined strength of the elephant and rhino. Ultimately, in a battle of this kind, it’s best for all three animals to avoid fighting and go about their business peacefully.
Enjoying reading about these wild fellas? Check out our African Travel Guide specially tailored for Kids and Families planning a Wild Safari.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rhinos, elephants, and hippos are three of the largest and most powerful land animals in the world. Rhinos have tough, thick skin and a powerful horn, while elephants are enormous with ivory tusks and a long trunk. Hippos have a unique red, oily substance on their skin and sharp teeth. Each of these animals has a different diet, habitat, and appearance.
Unfortunately, all three are at risk due to habitat loss and poaching for their valuable tusks and horns. We must work together to protect these amazing animals so they can continue to thrive in the wild and be admired for generations to come.
Want more of wildlife comparisons? How about reptiles now? Check out this battle of Croc vs Gator. Let’s see who wins this one!