Hippopotamuses in zoos require large water features, appropriate social grouping, and complex environments to meet their welfare needs as semi-aquatic megafauna with specialized behavioral requirements.
Hippos in zoo environments face welfare challenges when facilities cannot provide adequate water volume and quality for their behavioral needs. Without sufficient water for full submersion, hippos cannot thermoregulate properly and skin health deteriorates. Social management of male hippos requires careful attention as conspecific aggression can cause severe injuries. Behavioral enrichment must account for the semi-aquatic feeding behavior of hippos including underwater grazing simulation. Modern zoo hippo exhibits have improved substantially but older facilities may still fail to meet welfare standards. Consumer choice of zoos with appropriate facilities directly supports welfare improvement.