Endangered Pygmy Hippo Born at Virginia Zoo

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In a rare feat of species conservation, a birth in a female pygmy hippopotamus occurred on December 9, 2024 at Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia.

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The 15-pound calf is the third produced for the parents Iris and Corwin.

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The birth, experts believe, is a significant step to saving the species where fewer than 2,500 mature hippos have remained in the wild.

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Zoo officials said, 'Most people don't get a hippopotamus for Christmas at all, so we feel lucky to have received two over the years.

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The birth occurred at 4:50 p.m. in an indoor pool setting - a first for mother Iris

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Edinburgh Zoo's Jonny Appleyard emphasized the extreme rarity of pygmy hippos in the wild, highlighting the critical need for conservation efforts to protect the species.

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He further explained that having these small ambassadors interact with visitors helps raise crucial awareness about the diverse challenges these animals face in their natural habitats.

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The mother and calf are currently housed in a private enclosure for bonding.

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The public will get to name the newborn through an online poll that closes on New Year's Eve.

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Pygmy hippos, unlike the hippos of larger species, usually exist solitary or in pairs, which is very uncommon among other species.

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