ATHENS: A uncommon and endangered pygmy hippopotamus has been born in Athens’ Attica Zoological Park for the primary time in 10 years, delighting conservationists.
An absence of male pygmy hippos in captivity had sophisticated breeding efforts, so zoo workers had been “completely thrilled” the newborn was a boy, Noi Psaroudaki, the zoo’s wildlife veterinarian, instructed Reuters.
“That is the primary beginning within the zoo in 2024, and what a beginning!” Psaroudaki stated.
“Each captive beginning of pygmy hippos is extraordinarily vital. We’re very pleased to see this child develop right into a wholesome grownup hippo, and hopefully at some point reproduce,” she stated.
Pygmy hippos are native to swamps and rainforests in western Africa. They’re listed as an endangered species by the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature and it’s estimated solely about 2,000-2,500 nonetheless stay within the wild.
Weighing 7 kg (15.4 kilos), the male calf – whose title will go to a vote – was born on Feb. 19 and joins his dad and mom Lizzie and Jamal as the one pygmy hippos on the zoo.
The hippo, solitary and nocturnal by nature, will stay with its mom for a few months till it ventures into the outside enclosure.
An absence of male pygmy hippos in captivity had sophisticated breeding efforts, so zoo workers had been “completely thrilled” the newborn was a boy, Noi Psaroudaki, the zoo’s wildlife veterinarian, instructed Reuters.
“That is the primary beginning within the zoo in 2024, and what a beginning!” Psaroudaki stated.
“Each captive beginning of pygmy hippos is extraordinarily vital. We’re very pleased to see this child develop right into a wholesome grownup hippo, and hopefully at some point reproduce,” she stated.
Pygmy hippos are native to swamps and rainforests in western Africa. They’re listed as an endangered species by the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature and it’s estimated solely about 2,000-2,500 nonetheless stay within the wild.
Weighing 7 kg (15.4 kilos), the male calf – whose title will go to a vote – was born on Feb. 19 and joins his dad and mom Lizzie and Jamal as the one pygmy hippos on the zoo.
The hippo, solitary and nocturnal by nature, will stay with its mom for a few months till it ventures into the outside enclosure.
