Hippos are semi-aquatic animals whose welfare in zoos depends critically on access to adequate deep water, appropriate temperatures, and compatible social groupings.
Hippo welfare in captivity is fundamentally dependent on adequate water access. These animals evolved for semi-aquatic life; their skin requires regular immersion to prevent drying and cracking, and their thermoregulation depends on water cooling. Captive hippos without sufficient pool depth and water quality suffer directly and visibly. Social management is equally critical: hippo group composition determines whether social enrichment is positive or a source of chronic aggression and injury. Modern zoo hippo care requires careful individual compatibility assessment alongside appropriate aquatic infrastructure.