Pygmy hippos are secretive, forest-dwelling relatives of the common hippo found only in West African rainforests. Their captive population in zoos worldwide is critical for conservation as their wild population has declined severely due to habitat loss and hunting.
Pygmy hippos in captivity require access to water pools deep enough for full submersion, which they use for thermoregulation and skin hydration. Their nocturnal activity pattern means daytime visitor-facing displays conflict with natural behaviour timing unless nocturnal house facilities are available. Their largely solitary nature means same-sex pair housing often causes chronic aggression. Welfare best practice provides large, naturalistic exhibits with deep water, access to varied browse, and paired housing only for compatible breeding pairs with careful monitoring. Field conservation in Liberia through Fauna and Flora International funds ranger patrols in Sapo National Park.