Hippopotamuses are semi-aquatic, highly territorial animals with complex social needs. Zoo management must provide adequate water access, space, and compatible social groups.
Hippos in captivity face welfare challenges if their fundamental requirements are not met. Insufficient water access causes skin desiccation and heat stress. Inadequate space for territorial behaviour leads to chronic conflict and injury. Social management is particularly challenging — incompatible animals in shared spaces can result in severe aggression and injury. Welfare assessment must include monitoring water temperature and quality, skin condition, injury rates, and behavioural indicators of stress. Long-lived captive hippos deserve long-term welfare planning appropriate to their decades in captivity.