Newborn Pygmy Hippo at Metro Richmond Zoo – A Holiday Miracle
In a delightful holiday surprise, the Metro Richmond Zoo in Mosley, Virginia, announced the birth of a female pygmy hippopotamus calf on December 9, 2024. This heartwarming addition to the zoo’s family comes just in time for the festive season, bringing joy to animal lovers and visitors alike.
The zoo’s latest arrival is the third calf born to parents Iris and Corwin in the past 4½ years, and the second born around Christmastime. The arrival was made even more special with a video showing the newborn playfully exploring her enclosure, accompanied by the classic Christmas carol “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”
A Unique Birth
The birth of this precious pygmy hippo is even more remarkable due to its unique nature. Iris, the mother, gave birth in water—an interesting trait of pygmy hippos, who are known to give birth both on land and in water, unlike their larger cousins, the common hippos. According to the zoo, the calf’s natural instincts kicked in immediately, and she began moving around in the water shortly after birth. This demonstrates the newborn’s resilience and natural adaptation to her environment, a characteristic vital for her survival in the wild.
Why This Birth Matters
The birth of this pygmy hippo is not only a special moment for the zoo but also an important milestone in conservation efforts. Pygmy hippos are classified as *endangered* by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with an estimated 2,000-3,000 remaining in the wild, primarily in the forests and swamps of West Africa. The zoo’s breeding program is a critical part of preserving this rare species and raising awareness about the threats these animals face in their natural habitats.
The birth of a healthy calf in a zoo setting, like this one, is essential to ensuring the survival of the species. It also allows visitors to connect with the animals, fostering a greater understanding of wildlife conservation needs. Visitors to the Metro Richmond Zoo can watch the calf’s progress as she grows, hopefully sparking further interest and support for conservation efforts.
Name the Calf!
The Metro Richmond Zoo is inviting the public to participate in a fun and exciting way to celebrate the birth of the baby hippo. A public vote has opened to name the newborn calf, giving zoo visitors the chance to be part of this momentous occasion. Whether you’re a fan of the hippo species or simply love animals, this is an opportunity to contribute to a piece of zoo history.
A Festive Addition to the Zoo Family
As the zoo noted in their release, “Most people don’t get a hippopotamus for Christmas at all, so we feel lucky to have received two over the years.” This charming comment captures the spirit of the holiday season and the joy that the newborn calf has brought to both the zoo staff and visitors. In addition to the calf’s special Christmas arrival, the zoo has welcomed two other pygmy hippos from Iris and Corwin, further strengthening their role in the breeding and conservation of this vulnerable species.
The birth of this little pygmy hippo is a heartwarming reminder of the wonders of nature and the importance of protecting endangered species. As we ring in the new year, the Metro Richmond Zoo’s newest resident is a symbol of hope, growth, and the joyful surprises that nature can offer.