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Pygmy Hippopotamus
Scientific nameChoeropsis liberiensis
Conservation status (IUCN)
Endangered
The Pygmy Hippopotamus is a semi-aquatic mammal and is mostly nocturnal. Unlike the Common Hippo, they're solitary and spend more time on land.
Sydney
Visitor tips for Sydney
Pygmy Hippos can be viewed on the Rainforest Trail.
Fun facts about Pygmy Hippos
We bet you didn't know these facts about these unique ungulates.
Scroll across and tap the icons to reveal info on Pygmy Hippos.
Not your average cow
A female Pygmy Hippo is called a ‘cow.’
Dinner after dark
In the wild, Pygmy Hippos are mostly nocturnal and feed during the evening.
Walk underwater
Pygmy Hippos are semi-aquatic - but their swimming style is more like a walk underwater.
Herbivorous hippo
Pygmy Hippos are herbivores and forage for food at dusk.
Hydrated hippo
Hippos need time in the water to keep their skin moist and hydrated!
Built-in sunscreen
Pygmy Hippos secrete a pink substance to protect them from the sun – like a pink sunscreen!
A hippo-sized breath
Pygmy hippos can hold their breath underwater for 5 minutes!
River horse
The name ‘hippopotamus’ comes from the Greek word that literally translates to ‘river horse’.
Did you know?
55
In Zoos, Pygmy Hippos can live between 30-55 years, however it is likely much shorter in the wild.
Where they live
Lowland forests and wetland habitats.
275kg
Pygmy Hippos can weigh up to 275kg!
Where they're found
In the wild, the Pygmy Hippopotamus is found in West Africa. It was once present in Nigeria, but is now locally extinct there.
What they eat
Plants and fruits on land
1m
Pygmy Hippos are much smaller than Common Hippos. They can be up to 1m tall, and 1.75m long.
Mating:
Sexual maturity begins between 3 and 5 years
Before they're born
Their gestation period is 190-210 days, with 1-2 young born
55
In Zoos, Pygmy Hippos can live between 30-55 years, however it is likely much shorter in the wild.
Where they live
Lowland forests and wetland habitats.
275kg
Pygmy Hippos can weigh up to 275kg!
Where they're found
In the wild, the Pygmy Hippopotamus is found in West Africa. It was once present in Nigeria, but is now locally extinct there.
What they eat
Plants and fruits on land
1m
Pygmy Hippos are much smaller than Common Hippos. They can be up to 1m tall, and 1.75m long.
Mating:
Sexual maturity begins between 3 and 5 years
Before they're born
Their gestation period is 190-210 days, with 1-2 young born
WATCH: Pygmy Hippo Lololi enjoys the rain on her first birthday.
Pygmy Hippo deep dive
Discover more about hippos.
Common Hippos are around 5 times larger than Pygmy Hippos! Because Pygmy Hippos are semi-aquatic and spend more time on land, their feet aren't as webbed. Common Hippos are social animals, and Pygmy Hippos are solitary.
The main threats to Pygmy Hippos include deforestation from mining and infrastructure development.
Breeding programs
Taronga hosts the species breeding program for this animal through the Zoos and Aquarium Association (ZAA). This means we work with experts across Australasia to manage animal populations, not just to breed, but also support important husbandry knowledge, safeguarding this species for the future.
Buy beads, save wildlife
You can help African animals by purchasing beads! But how can beads help animals like giraffe and lions? Find out with Beads for Wildlife.
Proudly sponsored by
Taronga's Pygmy Hippopotamus' are proudly sponsored by Brookfield Properties.
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