Pygmy hippos are secretive, nocturnal animals from West African forests. Their care in zoos requires understanding their behavioral ecology and providing appropriate aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Pygmy hippos in zoos require access to clean, deep water pools for swimming and skin health — without regular aquatic access their skin dries and cracks painfully. As nocturnal animals they are most active after dark, meaning public viewing hours may not align with peak activity, and artificial lighting regimes must be managed carefully. Diet must replicate their browsing habits with varied vegetation, fruits, and roots. As solitary animals, pairing for breeding requires careful introduction protocols to prevent serious aggression. Stress indicators include excessive vocalisation, skin drying, loss of appetite, and stereotypic behavior. The small global captive population means every individual's genetic contribution to conservation breeding is significant.