Hippopotamuses are indigenous to Africa, although ancient ancestors of modern hippos lived throughout Europe and the Middle East. However, several were supposedly spotted swimming in the Rio Grande River between Texas and Mexico this Monday.

Fun fact: Hippopotamus is Greek for "Horse of the river."

How did the world's third largest land animal end up there? They escaped a Zapata, Texas ranch after flooding rains, according to Eagle Pass Newsletter, who then followed up with another story of Texas game wardens refuting the claim:

Texas game wardens claim that in spite of exotic animal ranches existing in the area, no ranch has animals as large as hippos. However, Mexican authorities did confirm the existence of the hippos in the river.

So, are there hippos in the river? Is there a conspiracy to cover them up? Who knows, but I want believe.

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