Hippo hooray! The zoo is excited to announce a heartwarming addition to our animal family just in time for the holidays: a baby pygmy hippo. The newborn arrived on December 9, 2024, after a 7-month gestation. Congratulations to pygmy hippo parents Iris and Corwin on the birth of another little girl.
This is Iris and Corwin’s 3rd calf in 4.5 years (all females!), and their 2nd calf to arrive right before the holidays. Most people don’t get a hippopotamus for Christmas at all, so we feel lucky to have received two over the years.
This birth was unique as it was the first time Iris gave birth in water. While common hippos usually give birth underwater, pygmy hippo calves can be born on land or in water.
The baby arrived around 4:50 PM while Iris was laboring in the indoor pool. Many keepers were present, and a few zoo guests even witnessed the miraculous birth. The baby’s natural instincts kicked in and she started moving around in the water immediately.
Iris and the baby were shifted into a cozy, hay-bedded enclosure off-exhibit. This gives mom and baby privacy while they bond. Within time, they will move back to the indoor pool area so guests can see the baby. Iris is an experienced mother and very protective of her calf. The calf is nursing and growing quickly. The baby has yet to be named.
At 5 days old, the baby had a neonatal exam. Our veterinary team checked her sex and general physical condition. She weighed a healthy 15 pounds. Fully grown pygmy hippos can weigh up to 600 pounds!
The pygmy hippo is an endangered species native to the swamps and rivers of West Africa. Less than 2,500 mature individuals remain in the wild. This birth – like all of Iris’ births – plays an important role in helping protect this rare and elusive species. Unlike common hippos, pygmy hippos do not live in groups and are usually solitary or in pairs. For this reason, once Iris’ two previous calves grew up, they were moved to other zoological facilities to live with future mates and continue contributing to the conservation of their species.
The Metro Richmond Zoo is the only place in Virginia where people can see hippos.
