Hippopotamuses in zoos have specific social, thermal, and aquatic welfare needs that present management challenges, and advances in exhibit design are improving outcomes in leading facilities.
Hippo welfare in zoo settings requires careful balancing of their aquatic needs, social requirements, and the significant management challenges posed by their size and aggression potential. Insufficient pool depth and surface area restrict the fundamental thermoregulatory and social behaviours that hippos engage in for the majority of their natural day. Social management must account for the real aggression risks between individuals while recognising that social deprivation also compromises welfare. Progressive zoo exhibit design provides deep pools of sufficient volume for submersion and swimming, appropriate land areas with varied substrates, and careful social group management. Dental monitoring and dental care for overgrown tusks requires specialised veterinary expertise and regular assessment under appropriate conditions.