RICHMOND, Va. — The Metro Richmond Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a healthy female pygmy hippo calf, born to proud parents Iris and Corwin on December 9. This marks the third baby hippo born at the zoo in the last five years.
The calf’s birth followed a seven-month gestation period, zoo officials announced. The newborn, yet to be named, weighed 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) during a neonatal exam conducted five days after her birth. Fully grown pygmy hippos can reach up to 600 pounds (270 kilograms).
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“Most people don’t get a hippopotamus for Christmas at all, so we feel lucky to have received two over the years,” the zoo shared in a statement on Tuesday, referencing the calf as the second pygmy hippo born in December.
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Conservation Efforts for an Endangered Species
Pygmy hippos are a critically endangered species native to West Africa, with only about 2,500 mature individuals remaining in the wild. Unlike common hippopotamuses, pygmy hippos are solitary creatures or live in pairs rather than large groups.
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The Metro Richmond Zoo plays a vital role in the conservation of pygmy hippos. According to zoo officials, Iris’ previous two calves were relocated to other zoological facilities once they matured, ensuring they could contribute to the species’ survival through breeding programs.
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“For this reason, once Iris’ two previous calves grew up, they were moved to other zoological facilities to live with future mates and continue contributing to the conservation of their species,” the zoo stated.
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Pygmy Hippos at the Metro Richmond Zoo
The birth of this newest calf reinforces the zoo’s commitment to preserving and raising awareness about endangered species. Visitors can look forward to updates as the calf grows and becomes an ambassador for her species.
