Zoo Animal Welfare

Zoo Hippopotamus Water Requirements and Welfare

Hippopotamuses require large deep water volumes for thermoregulation, social behaviour and skin health in captivity.

Key Facts

Hippos spend 16 hours per day in water in the wild for thermoregulation and social activity
Captive hippos require pool depths of at least 1.5 metres to submerge fully
Water quality management including filtration is essential for hippo skin health
Social hippos require group housing in appropriately large pools
Territorial aggression in hippos makes group management complex but social contact is essential

Welfare Considerations

Hippopotamus welfare in captivity is critically dependent on access to large, clean and appropriately deep water. Inadequate pool provision causes skin desiccation, social deprivation and chronic stress. Well-designed hippo exhibits with natural substrate and appropriate social groups achieve good welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support accredited zoos with appropriately large and deep hippo pools
Donate to hippopotamus conservation organisations in sub-Saharan Africa
Avoid facilities with inadequate water provision for hippos