Celebrations in Full Swing at San Diego Zoo as First Pygmy Hippopotamus Born in 30 Years - Small Joys

We've updated our Privacy Policy. By continuing to use Small Joys, you are agreeing to these updates.

  • news
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Family
  • Animals
  • Food
  • Health Tip
  • Life Hacks
Skip to content

  • news
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Family
  • Animals
  • Food
  • Health Tip
  • Life Hacks

  • news
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Family
  • Animals
  • Food
  • Health Tip
  • Life Hacks

hhhdsf.jpg?resize=1200,630 - Celebrations in Full Swing at San Diego Zoo as First Pygmy Hippopotamus Born in 30 Years

Celebrations in Full Swing at San Diego Zoo as First Pygmy Hippopotamus Born in 30 Years

The San Diego Zoo celebrated a historic moment this April as it welcomed the first pygmy hippo, born after more than 30 years.

ADVERTISEMENT

 

The mother aged 4, commonly referred to by the name Mabel, is a pygmy hippopotamus that delivered the calf just last month. 

Although the staff at the zoo is yet to name the new edition, they did release a statement that described the well-being of both pygmy mother and calf. The zoo also stated how it stood close to the mother during the delivery, walking alongside her during every step of the way, post-delivery. 

ADVERTISEMENT
First Endangered Pygmy Hippo Born At San Diego Zoo In 30 Years
Source: San Diego Zoo

In another statement released by the San Diego Zoo, it was mentioned how the calf was being nursed delicately by the first-time mother, getting plenty of attention from her too. 

ADVERTISEMENT

The baby pygmy hippo was born with a birth weight of 12 pounds. However, just after one month, the weight has healthily increased to 25 pounds. 

First Endangered Pygmy Hippo Born At San Diego Zoo In 30 Years
Source: San Diego Zoo

In today’s day and age, pygmy hippos are termed as endangered animals by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. According to statistics, there are less than 2500 pygmy hippopotamuses still residing in Africa. 

ADVERTISEMENT

These endangered species tend to live inside rivers as well as streams, primarily located in the West African range of Liberia’s forests. At the same time, tiny populations can be found in locations like Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast, and Guinea. 

ADVERTISEMENT
First Endangered Pygmy Hippo Born At San Diego Zoo In 30 Years
Source: San Diego Zoo

To help prepare for the pygmy calf’s birth, wildlife specialists had placed small and shallow tubs at the zoo’s Lost Forest region. After being delivered, the baby calf showed all-natural adaptations as well as instincts that pertain to pygmy hippos. This includes the closing of the nostrils and holding breath underwater.

ADVERTISEMENT

Today, both mother Mabel and her calf are enjoying complete access to the maternity yard’s pool area.

By the way, have you checked the viral video of dog farting and cat puking? If not, check it out here.

 

SmallJoys Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy