Metro Richmond Zoo Pygmy Hippo Overview
Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia houses pygmy hippos as part of its collection of exotic mammals. The zoo provides a managed habitat designed to mimic the damp, forested environments these animals encounter in the wild.
Pygmy Hippo Diet and Behavior
Pygmy hippos eat leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits, with browse such as hay forming a major part of their diet. They are mostly solitary and tend to be more active during cooler parts of the day, often resting in water or mud to stay cool.
Conservation and Viewing Information
Zoos like Metro Richmond Zoo contribute to pygmy hippo care and public education about their conservation status. Visitors can observe the hippos in areas designed for safe viewing, and the zoo participates in programs that support species management.
For general background on pygmy hippos, see the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute overview at https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/pygmy-hippo.
