I was actually referring to Common Hippo when I said Whipsnade's was the best. Although Longleat's may be semi- natural, its not really an exhibit is it(?), in the sense that visitors can't just walk up to the fence and view the Hippos as they can at Whipsnade. At Longleat, you have to do the boat trip or walk a long way along the edge of the Lake (if that is still permitted) to see the Hippos.
Marwell Pygmy Hippo enclosure has no trees, its just an open field but it does give them the all important grazing smaller enclosures lack. A few planted trees would provide shade in hot weather and a more interesting exhibit but otherwise it is okay. My only criticism is that the indoor pools are very small, given they have no outside water(which I agree isn't necessary) I would like to see those pools about twice the size they are.
They do put up a sunshade when the weather is hot, but the hippos seem to quite enjoy the sun; in particular I often see Antone sprawled out in the grass soaking it all in.
Whilst the pools aren't particuarly big, but they are very deep, which you can see when they are drained for cleaning. The hippos can stay submerged and invisible for quite a long time down there.
Are there any British zoos with underwater viewing of hippos? Most of the enclosures seem to be basic fields with large pools, but I think that for the most part the Marwell, Longleat and Whipsnade enclosures are simple yet effective.
Sadly no. All our Hippo exhibits are very basic(shamefully so in some cases) and nobody has tried anything else... yet. If they ever come back to Chester, U/W viewing might be a possibility for them there.
Is underwater viewing generally more effective with Common Hippo, given they are much more Aquatic than Pygmy?
Sadly no. All our Hippo exhibits are very basic(shamefully so in some cases) and nobody has tried anything else... yet. If they ever come back to Chester, U/W viewing might be a possibility for them there.
Is underwater viewing generally more effective with Common Hippo, given they are much more Aquatic than Pygmy?
Yes, it is a shame all of our hippo exhibits are quite so simple and boring. Also, they seem to be quite rare in this country - far more so then in the US. Berlin have pygmy hippo underwater viewing and I think they do spend a reasonable amount of time in the water, however that could be because the land area in the hippo house is quite small.
