At the heart of the Virginia Zoo, an exceptional event took place: the birth of an endangered pygmy hippopotamus. The little female hippopotamus was born on December 9 at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Moseley, Virginia. Her parents, Iris and Corwin, welcomed their third offspring in four and a half years, all females. This birth, which occurred shortly before the end of year holidays, has delighted the hearts of the zoo’s visitors and keepers.
This miracle of nature occurred after a 7-month gestation, with the mother giving birth in the water. While common hippos usually give birth underwater, little pygmy hippos can be born on land or in the water. The wonderful encounter between mother and baby was witnessed by a few lucky zoo visitors, as well as keepers, around 4:50 p.m. on December 9.
The newborn, as yet unnamed, weighed 15 pounds when examined at 5 days old. Pygmy hippos can reach up to 600 pounds when fully grown. This species is native to the swamps and rivers of West Africa. Sadly, fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remain in the wild, according to the zoo, making each birth of this endangered species a precious one.
The arrival of this fragile little creature is a crucial reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and conserving endangered species. Each birth is a step toward a more sustainable future for these magnificent animals that call our planet home. Metro Richmond Zoo is shining a light on the precious bond between humans and nature, and invites visitors from around the world to celebrate and support these wildlife conservation efforts.