Pygmy hippos are critically endangered and breed well in zoos, but their welfare depends on appropriate housing, social management, and behavioral enrichment.
Pygmy hippo welfare in zoos centers on providing adequate water access for thermoregulation and skin health, varied diet including browse and vegetables, and appropriate solitary housing that avoids forced social contact except for breeding. Nocturnal activity patterns should be respected in exhibit design. Enrichment items like submerged objects, browse, and novel foods support natural foraging behaviors and reduce stereotypies.