PHOTOS: Cute Child Pygmy Hippo Born at Metro Richmond Zoo

Hip hippo hooray! A child pygmy hippo was born at Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia on December 7. Photograph credit score: Metro Richmond Zoo.

The Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia welcomed an cute child pygmy hippo on December 7. She is the third calf for folks, Iris and Corwin, in 4.5 years. 

Child pygmy hippo along with her mama, Iris. Photograph credit score: Metro Richmond Zoo.

This delivery was particular as a result of it was the primary time Iris gave delivery underwater. In contrast to frequent hippos, who normally give delivery within the water, pygmy hippos can provide delivery both on land or within the water.

After the pygmy hippo was born, she and Iris have been transferred to a hay-bedded enclosure off-exhibit so they might bond and nurse. 

Pygmy hippo mama Iris and her new child are staying in a hay-bedded enclosure off-exhibit to bond. Photograph credit score: Metro Richmond Zoo.

A 5 days previous, veterinary workers on the zoo gave the child hippo a neonatal examination. They decided the calf was wholesome and rising rapidly, weighing 15 lb. When pygmy hippos are adults, they will weigh as much as 600 lb.!

The little child pygmy hippo weighed 15 lb. at 5 days previous, which is a wholesome weight. Photograph credit score: Metro Richmond Zoo.

Pygmy Hippos within the Wild

Within the wild, pygmy hippos are native to West Africa. They primarily dwell in forests close to swamps, streams and rivers. They’re solitary animals, not like frequent hippopotamuses, which dwell in teams.

The IUCN Crimson Record classifies pygmy hippopotamuses as endangered. The most important risk they face is deforestation.

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If you want to assist choose a reputation for the little hippo, you possibly can vote in your favourite identify right here.

What do you assume this child pygmy hippo ought to be referred to as? Photograph credit score: Metro Richmond Zoo.

To be taught extra in regards to the child pygmy hippo, go to the Metro Richmond Zoo web site.

Learn extra about hippos at our animal info web page, Hippopotamus.