Pygmy hippos are Endangered West African mammals rarely seen in the wild. Zoo populations are essential for conservation and research, requiring specialized husbandry for these shy, semi-aquatic animals.
Pygmy hippo welfare in captivity requires access to deep water pools for thermoregulation, wallowing, and natural behavior. As largely solitary animals, pair housing should only occur for breeding and requires careful introduction management. Their nocturnal nature means daytime exhibit conditions should provide adequate shade and retreat spaces. Pygmy hippos are prey animals with strong flight responses — keeper relationships built on positive reinforcement and predictable routines significantly reduce handling stress. Given the extreme difficulty of studying wild populations, behavioral research on captive individuals directly contributes to understanding and conserving this little-known species.