Pygmy Hippo
In the wild
Scientific name: Hexaprotodon liberiensis
Status: Classified as Endangered
Distribution: Western Africa
Type: Mammal
Diet: Herbivore
At Marwell Wildlife
The pygmy hippos are fed once a day on a mixed diet of apples, bananas, carrots, chicory, fennel, boiled potatoes, parsnips, hay, grass and browse.
They are often found swimming in their pool.
About Pygmy Hippos
The pygmy hippo shares the barrel-shaped body form of the closely related common hippopotamus, but is considerably smaller.
Pygmy hippos spend the day in water. Its stocky legs, each with 4 spreading toes, act as paddles, giving adequate force in still waters. Their eyes, ears and nostrils are all positioned well up on the head so the hippo can see, hear and breathe in comfort when it’s whole body is submerged. The thick, hairless hide is coated with a sticky mucus, secreted from special glands. The fluid acts as a skin lubricant and sun screen.
They emerge from the water at night to feed on fruits, leaves, roots and grasses, which it bites with it’s thick lips rather than its teeth.
Unlike common hippos, the pygmy hippo lives a solitary life, unless they are mating or with a calf.
The main threat to the species is deforestation and poaching as bush meat.
Adopt a Pygmy Hippo from £50.00
Our General Adoption scheme includes all this:
- A special Adoption Certificate
- Recognition at your adopted animal's home
- A photo of a Pygmy Hippo
- A day pass to Marwell Wildlife
- An annual subscription to Marwell News
- Pygmy Hippo fact sheet
- Presentation folder
- Access to online Adopters Zone
- Car sticker
Want to help even more? Choose Premium Adoption below!