Creature smaller than whippoorwill? Yes and no (5)

I believe the answer is:

hippo

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'creature' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'smaller than whippoorwill? yes and no' is the wordplay.
'HIPPO' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hippo that I've seen before include "Afr. river mammal" , "Large semi-aquatic mammal (abbr)" , "Water-loving mammal" , "Large animal" , "Augustine's place" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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