Hippopotamus populations are under pressure from habitat loss, drought, and illegal hunting, raising welfare concerns for a species whose complex social needs make conflict and displacement particularly harmful.
Hippopotamus welfare is critically linked to water access. Drought-induced crowding in remaining water bodies causes severe social stress, increased aggression, and disease transmission. Habitat loss forces hippos into agricultural areas, resulting in human-hippo conflict with welfare consequences for both. In captivity, hippos require very large water facilities and compatible social groupings to prevent chronic stress and aggression. Zoo hippos in inadequate facilities frequently exhibit stereotypic behaviour and suffer from foot and skin problems. Conservation of wetland habitats is essential for hippo welfare.