Hippopotamuses aren’t your typical menu item, but the question does come up occasionally: Can you eat hippo meat? The short answer is yes, it is technically edible, but the long answer is far more complex, involving history, legality, culture, and ethics.
In this article, we explore whether humans can (and should) eat hippo meat, where it has been consumed in the past, and why it’s not common or legal in most parts of the world today.
Is hippo meat edible?
Yes — from a purely biological perspective, hippo meat is edible. Hippopotamuses are large herbivorous mammals, and their meat is high in protein and has a texture often compared to beef or pork, though it’s said to have a gamier flavor and a fattier composition.
In some regions, particularly in Central and East Africa, hippo meat has been eaten for centuries as part of traditional diets or during times of scarcity.
However, just because something is edible doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe, legal, or ethical to eat.
Is it legal to eat hippo meat?
In most countries, eating hippo meat is illegal, or at least very tightly controlled. Hippopotamuses are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. As such, they are protected under international conservation agreements like CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
Under CITES Appendix II, hippo trade is regulated but not banned outright. Some countries allow limited, tightly controlled hunting or culling where hippos pose a threat to agriculture or human settlements — but even then, the meat is rarely commercialized.
In countries like the United States, Australia, or those in the European Union, you cannot legally buy, sell, or consume hippo meat. Importing or trading it would also be considered a serious wildlife crime.
Has hippo meat been eaten historically?
Yes. Historically, hippo meat has been consumed in parts of Africa where hippos live naturally. In fact:
- In Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan, hippo meat was sometimes eaten by local communities, especially in rural areas.
- During times of conflict or famine, such as in the Congo wars, hippos were sometimes hunted illegally as a source of protein.
- There are anecdotal records from colonial times of European settlers or explorers eating hippo meat during expeditions.
One of the most unusual examples occurred during World War II, when meat shortages in some British colonies led to discussions about harvesting alternative sources of protein — including hippos. However, this never became a widespread practice.
What does hippo meat taste like?
First-hand descriptions are rare, but some people who have tried it claim that hippo meat is:
- Fatty, especially around the belly and flanks
- Gamey, with a strong, earthy flavor
- Dense and tough, requiring long cooking times
- Somewhat similar to pork or beef, depending on the cut and preparation
That said, very few people have tried it legally, and most reports come from illegal hunting or past circumstances that aren’t reproducible today.
Is hippo meat safe to eat?
Not necessarily. Like with any wild game, there are health risks associated with consuming hippo meat, especially when it’s not properly inspected or prepared. Potential dangers include:
- Parasites such as trichinella and tapeworms
- Zoonotic diseases that can pass from animals to humans (e.g., anthrax or brucellosis)
- Spoilage, as hippos are usually hunted in remote areas without refrigeration
In 2011, an outbreak of anthrax in Uganda was linked to villagers eating hippo meat from animals that had died in the wild.
Is hippo meat sold anywhere commercially?
No. There is no legal commercial market for hippo meat. You won’t find it in restaurants, supermarkets, or butcher shops — not even in Africa. Any such trade would likely involve poaching and illegal trafficking, which not only threatens wildlife populations but also violates national and international laws.
Ethical and conservation concerns
Even if hippo meat were legal and safe, there are serious ethical concerns. Hippopotamuses are already under pressure from:
- Poaching for ivory (they have large canine teeth made of ivory)
- Habitat loss due to expanding agriculture and urbanization
- Human-wildlife conflict, particularly in regions where water sources are shared
Encouraging or tolerating the consumption of hippo meat could exacerbate these problems and undermine conservation efforts.
Final thoughts: Can you eat hippo meat?
Yes, hippo meat is technically edible. It has been consumed in some parts of Africa, mostly in the past or under extraordinary circumstances. But in the modern world, eating hippo meat is almost always illegal, unsafe, and ethically questionable.
For most people, the idea of eating hippo meat is more a curiosity than a reality — and probably best left that way.
If you’re looking for exotic or unusual meats to try legally, there are safer and more sustainable options out there. But when it comes to hippos, it’s best to admire these fascinating animals from a distance — not on your plate.
