Chicago Zoological Society

Size Doesn't Matter

Big or little?
The name can be a bit confusing. Are pygmy hippos big animals or little animals? Well, it depends on one's perspective. Compared to the common hippos (which can weigh over three tons), pygmy hippos are not all that big. But 500 to 600 pounds is not all that tiny either!

Pygmy hippos stand only about three feet tall at the shoulder. Their head and body together are between four and six feet long. The body slopes just slightly downward, which helps them move through forest undergrowth.

Water loving, but not water living
While common (or Nile) hippos spend hot days in the water, smaller pygmy hippos are most often found in shady sites near swamps, riverbanks, or muddy areas. Pygmy hippos are nocturnal, resting during the day and coming out to feed at night.

Pygmy hippos live in the thick undergrowths of dense lowland forests near waterways. They are better adapted to the forests than to the waterways (while common hippos have webbed feet, pygmy hippos’ are much less so). But their body is well built for forest travel. As they search for food, they stamp down small trees, shrubs, and grasses, cutting deep paths that other animals may use.

A myth-take
Pygmy hippos have been rather mysterious historically. Scientists and explorers did not believe the legends about a tiny hippo living away from the water.

But, in the late 1800s, the myth was found to be true. Perhaps pygmy hippos’ nocturnal lifestyle and shy, solitary nature helped them escape notice. They tend to only be found in pairs while mating, or when a mother is caring for her young calf. Otherwise, pygmy hippos prefer to go it alone.

Great skin is in
The skin of pygmy hippos is not just an attractive cover—it helps them maintain their land and aquatic lifestyle. They have thick skin, with a thin epidermis (the outermost layer), and very little hair—just a few bristles near their mouth and tail. What they do not have is a gland (like our sweat glands) to help them regulate temperature. Living in the shady forest helps them stay cool, but sometimes they head to a mud wallow for a cooling bath.

Conservation chatter
Pygmy hippos have probably never existed in large numbers, which means they are more vulnerable to crises than animals with larger populations. There are now less than 3,000 left in the wild. The main threat to pygmy hippos is deforestation due to logging and agricultural activities. Hunting is also a threat, as hippo meat can provide much needed protein to local peoples.

Right now, national parks provide the only habitat where pygmy hippos are protected. These areas, which are set aside for animals and tourists, could play a big part in ensuring the future of the species in the wild. Sapo National Park in southeastern Liberia is one example; scientists are proposing that it be declared a biosphere reserve. These efforts, supported by funding from national and international organizations, may help pygmy hippos survive.

Pygmy hippos at Brookfield Zoo
Pachyderm House is home to several of the zoo’s pygmy hippos (and to the common hippos). In colder weather, the pygmy hippos are indoors. When the weather is warm, they can be found outdoors in the pool on the west side of the building. This species is part of the AZA's Species Survival Plan.