Hippopotami in zoos face complex welfare challenges from their aquatic lifestyle requirements and highly territorial nature. Evidence-based husbandry is essential.
Hippo welfare in zoos depends critically on water provision. Insufficient pool depth preventing submersion causes skin damage, stress and abnormal thermoregulatory behaviour. Hippos in inappropriate social groups suffer serious bite injuries from territorial disputes. Their nocturnal activity patterns mean night exhibit conditions are as important as daytime provision. Modern hippo exhibits with naturalistic rivers and deep pools enabling full underwater locomotion provide superior welfare compared to traditional concrete pond designs.