The Pygmy Hippo Foundation aims to promote the conservation, preservation and protection of the endangered pygmy hippo in its natural environment, through the re-development of the Sapo National Park and by incorporating local communities into conservation initiatives and education programmes.
The Pygmy Hippo Foundation was founded in July 2011 by Hummingbird Resources with the primary aim of assisting the development of Liberia’s Sapo National Park in south east Liberia and producing measures to protect the endangered pygmy hippo. The Zoological Society of London estimates that there are less than 2,000 pygmy hippos remaining in the wild, of which the majority are believed to be located in Liberia’s Sapo National Park.
Aims
The aims of the Pygmy Hippo Foundation include informing the Liberian government about the need to protect the pygmy hippo. Through further training, local park rangers will be able to track and locate these shy and reclusive animals, contributing to a greater understanding of their habitat and behaviours, about which little is currently known. Sponsorship of research by leading conservationists is part of the Pygmy Hippo Foundation’s contribution towards the protection of one of Liberia’s endangered species.