(TheIndependentStar.com) – America’s zoos are stepping up to preserve endangered species, and the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia is leading the charge.
Iris, a female pygmy hippopotamus, gave birth to a healthy calf, marking a significant victory for conservation efforts.
This heartwarming news comes as a reminder that America remains committed to protecting wildlife.
The newborn female calf, weighing just 15 pounds at birth, is the third offspring of mother Iris and father Corwin.
This birth marks the third pygmy hippo born at the zoo in the past five years, showcasing the facility’s dedication to preserving this endangered species.
“The baby’s natural instincts kicked in and she started moving around in the water immediately,” the zoo reported.
With only about 2,500 mature individuals left in the wild, every birth counts in the fight against extinction.
The pygmy hippopotamus, native to West Africa, faces threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting.
Unlike their larger cousins, these are smaller, forest-dwelling hippos that are typically solitary or found in pairs.
“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 Metro Richmond Zoo’s commitment to conservation extends beyond just breeding.
Once Iris’s previous calves reached maturity, they were relocated to other zoological facilities to contribute to the species’ preservation.
This strategic approach ensures genetic diversity and strengthens the captive population, demonstrating the zoo’s long-term vision for protecting these animals.
Oh dang. Move aside. There's a new pygmy hippo baby in town. 🫶🏼🦛
Read more: https://t.co/Gogq84oLxS pic.twitter.com/s4nVrcq7ij
— Metro Richmond Zoo (@metrorhmdzoo) December 26, 2024
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