Hippo is expected to have equilibrium (5)
I believe the answer is:
poise
'equilibrium' is the definition.
(poise is a kind of equilibrium)
'hippo is expected to have' is the wordplay.
'to have' indicates a hidden word.
'POISE' is hidden in the letters of 'hippo is expected'.
(Other definitions for poise that I've seen before include "Aplomb" , "Balance; composure" , "Dignity; equilibrium" , "Dignity and assurance of manner" , "Sang-froid" .)