Hippopotamus populations in Africa face growing threats from habitat loss and ivory poaching, with zoo programs contributing to conservation awareness and funding.
Zoo hippopotamus programs serve conservation purposes beyond their individual welfare value — maintaining awareness of a species facing new poaching threats and generating funding for field conservation. The welfare of zoo hippos and the conservation of wild populations are linked through the public engagement and funding that healthy zoo populations enable. Wild hippo welfare is threatened by declining habitat and the new ivory trade that makes hippos targets as elephant ivory becomes less available. Supporting hippo conservation programs that address both habitat protection and anti-poaching at wild population sites complements zoo programs by ensuring the species maintains viable wild populations.