How big is a pygmy hippo?

You must be thinking if a hippo could be affordable and manageable in size. For that, you have to enter the Pygmy hippo and see for yourself nature's pint-sized answer to the massive-sized hippopotamus. These tiny giants are one of the most fascinating mammals on our planet. They are known for prowess and terrestrial agility.

But there will always be a burning question: How big is a Pygmy hippo? So let's understand everything about their extraordinary animals, from habitat and behavior to famous ones like baby Pygmy hippo Moo Deng.

What is a Pygmy hippo?

A Pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis) is a small, nocturnal herbivore native to the wetlands and forests of West Africa. Unlike the large, social common hippo, the Pygmy hippo is shy, solitary, and incredibly elusive.

Key characteristics:

Scientific name: Choeropsis liberiensis

Behavior: Solitary, nocturnal, and semi-aquatic

Appearance: Smooth, dark skin, similar to common hippos but much smaller

Conservation status: Endangered species with less than 3000 Pygmy hippo

Fun fact: They are highly adapted for their environment, with unique features like sweat that acts as sunscreen and feet designed for both swimming and navigating muddy terrain.

How big is a Pygmy hippo? -  Size, weight, and more

Size & weight comparison

Category	Pygmy hippo	Common hippo
Length	4.5–6 feet (1.4–1.8 m)	10–15 feet (3–4.5 m)
Weight	400–600 pounds (180–275 kg)	3,000–4,000 pounds (1,360–1,800 kg)
Height at shoulder	2.5–3 feet (0.76–0.91 m)	5 feet (1.5 m)

Unique features:

• Their smaller size allows them to navigate dense forests and swamps with ease.
• Despite their reduced size, they are incredibly strong and resilient.

How big does a Pygmy hippo get?

At birth, baby Pygmy hippos are around 10–14 pounds (4.5–6.4 kilograms) in weight. They are incredibly small and vulnerable but grow rapidly under their mother’s care.

Growth phases:

Stage	Weight range	Features
Newborn	10–14 pounds (4.5–6.4 kg)	Tiny, with soft skin, needs close care
Juvenile	50–200 pounds (22–91 kg)	Rapid growth, begins exploring
Adult	400–600 pounds (180–275 kg)	Fully grown, independent

A famous example of a baby hippo is Pygmy hippo Moo Dang, whose playful antics brought global attention to this endangered species.

Where do Pygmy hippos live?

Pygmy hippos belong to West African countries. Their major population is found in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast.

Habitat preferences:

• Primary environment: Dense tropical forests and swamps
• Dependence on water: They rely on rivers and streams to stay cool and hydrated
• Challenges: Habitat destruction caused by encroachment and destruction of forest

Pygmy hippos are highly adapted to their environment, using water bodies for protection and mud for cooling their sensitive skin.

Fun fact:

Unlike their common cousins, Pygmy hippos spend less time in water and more time navigating dense forests.

How long do Pygmy hippos live?

The lifespan of a Pygmy hippo depends on its living conditions:

• Wild Pygmy hippos live around 25–30 years, facing threats like predators and habitat loss.
• Captive pygmy hippos can live up to 40–50 years due to better care and protection.

Factors influencing lifespan:

• Diet quality
• Environmental safety
• Healthcare access (in captivity)

Pygmy hippo Moo Dang: A celebrity among baby Pygmy hippos

If you’ve ever Googled “cute Pygmy hippos,” you’ve probably come across Pygmy hippo Moo Dang, a viral sensation that captured hearts worldwide. Moo Dang represents the playful and lovable side of these animals.

Why Moo Dang matters:

• She’s a symbol of hope for conservation efforts.
• Her videos have increased awareness of the challenges Pygmy hippos face.

Pygmy hippos vs Common hippo

Aspect	Pygmy hippo	Common hippo
Size	400–600 pounds	3,000–4,000 pounds
Lifespan	25–50 years	40–50 years
Habitat	Forests and swamps	Rivers and lakes
Social behavior	Solitary	Social, in groups of 10–30
Diet	Leaves, fruits, grasses	Grass

 

Are Pygmy hippos allowed in Georgia? 

If you’ve ever wondered, are Pygmy hippos allowed in Georgia, the answer is a firm no. Their endangered status and complex care needs make them unsuitable as pets.

Why they aren’t allowed:

• Legal restrictions: International laws protect them.
• Specialized needs: Require specific diets, large enclosures, and constant access to water.

Pygmy hippos belong in the wild or under professional care in conservation facilities. You should also know what other pets you aren't allowed to have in Georgia.

Why are Pygmy hippos endangered?

Major threats:

• Deforestation: Rapid loss of forested areas due to agriculture and urbanization.
• Hunting: Targeted for their meat and other body parts.
• Human encroachment: Growing human settlements reduce their habitat.

Conservation measures:

• Establishing protected areas
• Raising awareness about their plight
• Breeding programs in captivity

Summing Up!

The pygmy hippo is a blend of strength and chart in a compact frame. Isn’t it? You know how big is a pygmy hippo and now you appreciate their uniqueness even more. You can even paint your adorable antics of pet Pygmy hippo or baby Pygmy hippo Moo Deng through pop animal art. They deserve protection and admiration for their role in forest ecosystems. So let's work together to make sure that they continue to thrive.

You can also check out Pets by Number for custom paint by numbers too for creating paintings of your own pets through pictures.