It is a small hippopotamid, half the size of the common hippopotamus, native to the forests and swamps of West Africa. It is reclusive and nocturnal with fewer than 3,000 remaining in the wild.
Where you can see the Pygmy Hippo
Marwell Wildlife
Marwell Wildlife, Owslebury, United Kingdom
The zoo near Winchester opened in 1972, with conservation very much at its heart. It is set within the environs of Marwell Hall, which was built in the early 14th century (around 1320) by Walter Woodlock, a relative of the Bishop of Winchester and subsequently owned by the Seymour family.
Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo, Whipsnade, Dunstable, United Kingdom
The Zoological Society of London runs ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. Set in over 600 acres of parkland, the zoo has over 2,500 animals including lions, tigers, elephants, hippos and giraffe in huge outdoor enclosures.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo, Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Zoo is owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which was founded in 1909, with the zoo opening in 1913. Set in 82 acres, over 1,000 rare and endangered animals are looked after here.
Bristol Zoo Gardens
Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, United Kingdom
First opened nearly 180 years ago, Bristol Zoo Gardens is first and foremost a conservation charity, protecting species both in the UK and across the globe. It allows visitors to learn more about animals in the wild – especially endangered ones.
Marwell Wildlife
The zoo near Winchester opened in 1972, with conservation very much at its heart. It is set within the environs of Marwell Hall, which was built in the early 14th century (around 1320) by Walter Woodlock, a relative of the Bishop of Winchester and subsequently owned by the Seymour family.
Whipsnade Zoo
The Zoological Society of London runs ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. Set in over 600 acres of parkland, the zoo has over 2,500 animals including lions, tigers, elephants, hippos and giraffe in huge outdoor enclosures.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which was founded in 1909, with the zoo opening in 1913. Set in 82 acres, over 1,000 rare and endangered animals are looked after here.
Bristol Zoo Gardens
First opened nearly 180 years ago, Bristol Zoo Gardens is first and foremost a conservation charity, protecting species both in the UK and across the globe. It allows visitors to learn more about animals in the wild – especially endangered ones.


