Virginia Zoo Welcomes Newborn Pygmy Hippo

Source: lovelypeace / Getty

The Metro Richmond Zoo welcomed a special addition on December 9, as Iris, a female pygmy hippopotamus, gave birth to a healthy female calf. This marks the zoo’s third pygmy hippo birth in five years and the second to arrive during the holiday season.

Source: Elen Marlen / Getty

The calf, yet to be named, is the third offspring for Iris and her mate, Corwin. Born after a seven-month gestation, she weighed 15 pounds at her neonatal exam and could grow to 600 pounds as an adult. Pygmy hippos are an endangered species native to West Africa, with only about 2,500 mature individuals left in the wild.

The zoo has supported conservation efforts by relocating Iris’ previous calves to other facilities to aid in breeding programs. Zoo officials called the birth a “special holiday gift” and expressed gratitude for their role in preserving this rare species.

Source: The DMV Daily

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