Virginia Zoo Welcomes Newborn Pygmy Hippopotamus

Virginia Zoo Welcomes Newborn Pygmy Hippopotamus to End the Year

The Metro Richmond Zoo celebrated the arrival of a healthy pygmy hippopotamus calf earlier this month, marking a special milestone as the third baby hippo born at the zoo in the past five years.

The calf, a female, was born to mother Iris on December 9 after a seven-month gestation period. The newborn, who has yet to be named, is the third offspring of Iris and father Corwin. Interestingly, she was also the second pygmy hippo to be born at the zoo in December.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have received two baby hippos over the years—most people don’t get one for Christmas!” zoo officials said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Baby Hippo’s First Check-Up

Just five days after her birth, the baby underwent a neonatal exam, where she was weighed at 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Despite her small size, adult pygmy hippos can grow to weigh up to 600 pounds (270 kg).

Pygmy Hippos: An Endangered Species

Pygmy hippos are a critically endangered species native to West Africa, with only about 2,500 mature individuals left in the wild. Unlike regular hippos, which live in large groups, pygmy hippos are more solitary and typically live in pairs.

To ensure the survival of the species, zoo officials explained that once Iris’ previous calves reached maturity, they were moved to other zoological facilities to meet potential mates and contribute to the conservation efforts of the species.

This latest birth highlights the ongoing success of the Metro Richmond Zoo’s efforts to support pygmy hippo conservation and raise awareness about this rare and remarkable species.

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