Hippopotamuses are semi-aquatic megafauna with specific social and environmental needs. Their welfare in captivity requires deep water pools and carefully managed social groups.
Hippopotamus welfare in captivity is fundamentally dependent on access to deep water pools of sufficient size for normal movement and thermoregulation. Hippos without adequate water access develop skin cracking, sunburn, and chronic stress. Social management is complex: territorial males require careful separation or introduction management to prevent lethal fighting. Females with calves need protection from dominant bulls. Cognitively, hippos benefit from enrichment that mimics grazing behaviour and social interaction opportunities. Night grazing on land mirrors their natural nocturnal terrestrial activity pattern and is difficult to replicate in zoo settings. Zoo facilities that invest in large, deep pools with appropriate substrates and well-managed social groups achieve the best welfare outcomes for this species.