Also in Copenhagen Zoo, younger hippos can access the savannah filled with african ungulates (Giraffe, Rhino, Impala, Zebra, Blesbok, and Sable Antelope) and also some birds (Helmeted Guineafowl and Ostrich)
Hippopotamus mixed enclosure
- Thread starter Canihelpyou?
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I don't know if I'd trust hippos with impalas... or guineafowl.
I feel like hippos are one of those animals that really can't be trusted with anything as even in the wild, they antagonize pretty much everyone. I think flying birds and tilapia are the only mixes I would consistently do with a breeding group of hippos.
I have heard that the possibility is being considered at Fresno Chaffee Zoo for the African river habitat to feature hippos mixed with antelope and birds. I would not call those plans certain though, and of course, that could carry some risks, but if so, interesting.
I have seen pictures of pygmy hippos mixed with sitatunga if I recall correctly at a European zoo?
I have seen pictures of pygmy hippos mixed with sitatunga if I recall correctly at a European zoo?
Which is why only younger hippos has access to the savannah. The adult ones stays on their own enclosure.
Lycaon
Well-Known Member
When did they have that? I read the book about the history of the place, and I don't remember a single sentence saying anything about that.
Although I haven't seen the exhibit in real life, but Beauval keeps hippo together with red river hogs, nyalas and several bird species in The Hippopotamus Reserve: The Hippopotamus Reserve | ZooParc de Beauval (zoobeauval.com)
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
They aren't really in the same enclosure.
Hogs and Nyalas live in two separated enclosures in the same "aviary", where many birds fly freely and can indeed go in the hippo enclosure.
Additionnally many fish (of European species : carps, pikes, perchs, sturgeons...) live in the hippo pool.
They have been known to eat them
Wow, I would love to watch a duck or goose eat a hippo!
Mai Thai
Well-Known Member
Here are some examples from the AZA Ungulate TAG that were considered successful by the AZA:
At Adventure Aquarium they have been mixed with African Cichlid, Taveta Golden Weaver, Abdim’s Stork, Cape Porcupine, Hammerkop, and Cattle Egret.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom they have been mixed with White-Breasted Cormorant, Northern Pintail Duck, Tufted Duck, White-Eyed Duck, White-Faced Whistling Duck, Yellow-Billed Duck, Egyptian Goose, and Pink-Backed Pelican.
They Cheyenne Mountain Zoo used to mix Domestic Chicken with their Hippos.
Lastly, a plethora of zoos mix their hippos with Tilapia.
*I know some of these have been already mentioned I was just adding ones that were successful.
At Adventure Aquarium they have been mixed with African Cichlid, Taveta Golden Weaver, Abdim’s Stork, Cape Porcupine, Hammerkop, and Cattle Egret.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom they have been mixed with White-Breasted Cormorant, Northern Pintail Duck, Tufted Duck, White-Eyed Duck, White-Faced Whistling Duck, Yellow-Billed Duck, Egyptian Goose, and Pink-Backed Pelican.
They Cheyenne Mountain Zoo used to mix Domestic Chicken with their Hippos.
Lastly, a plethora of zoos mix their hippos with Tilapia.
*I know some of these have been already mentioned I was just adding ones that were successful.
Randomname0183
Well-Known Member
Bioparc Valencia keeps said mix, alongside drills and a smaller species of monkey.
They've also had Black-cheeked Lovebird, Blue-bellied Roller, Common Bulbul, Emerald Starling, Golden-breasted Starling, Hamerkop, Java Finch, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Superb Starling, Western Cattle Egret, and Violet Turaco, however all the birds were taken out years ago. In addition to the cichlids, they also have Grass Eaters (Distichodus rostratus).
Yes, I posted this back in 2019, I realize now it's a bad idea
Why do they mix chickens with them in Cheyenne Mountain?
Mai Thai
Well-Known Member
They used to but I am not sure the reason.
I know beekse bergen has had the mix of Marabou, Nile lechwe and Common hippos for years now
Sphenisciologist
Well-Known Member
Oxpeckers would probably be the safest option, and some species of fish that would feed on their waste.
As I recall an oxpecker/rhino mix was discontinued after a study confirmed the birds were causing injury and stress to the rhinos. So I'd say oxpeckers are not the safest option.