New Pygmy Hippo Outdoor Experience

Apr 11, 2025

The zoo is thrilled to announce an exciting update to one of our favorite animal encounters. Now that Iris and Poppy have moved outdoors, we are reimagining the pygmy hippo experience to continue offering guests an immersive and unforgettable opportunity to meet our hippos.

Starting April 14, guests can enjoy an up-close, personal encounter with the endangered pygmy hippo outside in a more natural setting. The new Pygmy Hippo Outdoor Experience invites guests into the heart of the hippos’ habitat, where they can stand just feet away from Iris and Poppy.

This reimagined experience offers the rare chance to go behind the scenes, observe Iris and Poppy’s behaviors, and gain a deeper understanding of this endangered species.

The 30-minute Pygmy Hippo Outdoor Experience includes:

  • Go behind the scenes at Hippo Haven
  • Enter the outdoor habitat and view the hippos up close from a safety zone with a barrier in between
  • Potential opportunities to feed produce to Iris and Poppy
  • Learn more about pygmy hippo behavior and conservation from a zoo team member

We are also happy to share that our Poppy Cam has moved outside! This popular pygmy hippo live stream now offers animal lovers around the world an inside look at Iris and Poppy’s outdoor adventures.

Online reservations are available now with limited slots per session to ensure an intimate and respectful interaction for both guests and animals. For more information about the experience or the Poppy Cam, see below.