The zoo is excited to announce our adorable pygmy hippo calf has officially made her public debut and can now be seen at Hippo Haven with Mom!
On the evening of December 30, Iris and her calf returned to the indoor pool area. It was the baby’s first time submerged in water since being born in that same pool three weeks earlier. The brave, little calf splashed into the water and playfully swam all around.
On the first day, we lowered the water level so the baby could become comfortable with her new surroundings. We have gradually increased the level each day.
Like a human baby, our little hippo spends her days nursing, sleeping, and pooping, but with one glaring difference – she loves to swim!
Pygmy hippos love the water! They rely on it to keep their skin moist and cool. Pygmy hippos have webbed feet to aid their semi-aquatic lifestyle. Adult hippos can hold their breath underwater for 10 – 15 minutes. Iris and her baby have a delightful morning routine. Every day, as soon as they are let out, they head straight for the pool and spend most of their time there.
Hippos technically can’t “swim.” Instead, they walk on the bottom and bounce off to move around.
Pygmy hippos can nurse on land or underwater, but this baby prefers to nurse underwater which is remarkable to witness.
During the winter, Iris and her baby will remain in the indoor pool area during the day for public viewing and return to their hay-bedded bedroom in the evenings. When the weather is warmer and the baby is larger, they will move to the outdoor habitat, which has a large pool with underwater viewing windows.
Iris’ adorable calf is already making a splash in her new home and on social media worldwide. We are thrilled to see how Virginia’s newest star has fans from all over the world.
The baby is still not named. A public poll to name her closes on January 4 at 11:59 PM, and the name will be announced on January 6.
