The John Ball Zoo in Michigan recently celebrated the birth of a pygmy hippo calf, marking the first time this species has been born at the zoo in its more than 100-year history. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the zoo shared the exciting news on their Instagram page, announcing, "We are thrilled to announce the birth of our pygmy hippo calf!"
The zoo revealed that first-time parents Penelope and Jahari welcomed their 11-pound (5-kilogram) baby on September 3. This event represents a historic milestone, as it is the first pygmy hippo calf born at the facility.
Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, with wild populations estimated to be fewer than 2,500 individuals. Therefore, every birth of a pygmy hippo is a crucial step forward in conservation efforts. While the mother and calf bond closely, the zoo's animal care team is quietly monitoring them to ensure their well-being. Both are currently healthy and doing well.
The zoo has also shared footage of Penelope giving birth, her interactions with the newborn, and adorable close-up photos of the little hippo's face.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo's Adorable "Moo Deng" the Pygmy Hippo
In July last year, Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province, Thailand, welcomed the birth of a pygmy hippo affectionately nicknamed "Moo Deng," which means "Bouncing Pig." Thanks to social media promotion, this adorable little hippo quickly became a global sensation, attracting numerous fans eager to visit and see it in person.
In the wild, pygmy hippos primarily feed on grasses and aquatic plants. However, "Moo Deng" and the other pygmy hippos living at the zoo mainly consume green leafy vegetables and so-called "herbivore biscuits," specially formulated treats that provide additional nutrition.
Pygmy Hippopotamus vs. Common Hippopotamus
According to National Geographic magazine, the pygmy hippopotamus and the common hippopotamus share similar appearances and skin color, with the primary difference being their size. The pygmy hippopotamus is roughly one-tenth the size of the common hippopotamus.
An adult pygmy hippopotamus can weigh up to 600 pounds (272 kilograms), which sounds quite heavy, but the common hippopotamus can sometimes weigh as much as 4.5 tons.
The geographic distribution is another major difference between the pygmy hippopotamus and the common hippopotamus. The common hippopotamus is found throughout central and southern Africa, including a small region along the Nile River extending northward to the Mediterranean Sea.
The pygmy hippo is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, where it mostly lives a solitary life. This is one key difference from the common hippopotamus. Common hippos typically live in groups of about 40 individuals, sometimes numbering up to 200.
