(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In a heartwarming turn of events, the Metro Richmond Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its family: Iris gave birth to a baby pygmy hippopotamus.
This joyous occasion brought a smile to animal lovers and highlighted the critical importance of conservation efforts for endangered species.
The female pygmy hippopotamus calf was born to mother Iris after a seven-month pregnancy.
This is the third hippo born at the zoo in the past five years, showcasing the success of its breeding program.
The newborn weighed a mere 15 pounds at birth but could grow to weigh up to 600 pounds as an adult.
Despite the current harsh climate, zoos like Metro Richmond are making real strides in protecting endangered species.
Pygmy hippos, native to West Africa, are facing extinction since only about 2,500 mature individuals are left in the wild.
Unlike their larger cousins, these hippos are typically solitary or found in pairs, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities.
The zoo’s commitment to conservation is evident in its careful management of the pygmy hippo population.
Zoo officials stated, “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.”
“Most people don’t get a hippopotamus for Christmas at all, so we feel lucky to have received two over the years,” zoo officials joked.
The zoo reported that the newborn calf’s “natural instincts kicked in and she started moving around in the water immediately.”
“Iris is an experienced mother and very protective of her calf. The calf is nursing and growing quickly,” the zoo added.
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