Since the hippopotamus seems to be the unofficial AWAD board animal, I direct your attention to the November, 2001 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine, wherein one finds articles on hippos and whales. In the whale article it is sugggested that the hippo is the closest living relative of modern whales. So, since hippopotamus means "water horse," I guess them there nuts who ride whales at the marine parks are not too far afield.