The San Diego Zoo celebrated a historic moment this April as it welcomed the first pygmy hippo, born after more than 30 years.
The mother aged 4, commonly referred to by the name Mabel, is a pygmy hippopotamus that delivered the calf just last month.
Although the staff at the zoo is yet to name the new edition, they did release a statement that described the well-being of both pygmy mother and calf. The zoo also stated how it stood close to the mother during the delivery, walking alongside her during every step of the way, post-delivery.
In another statement released by the San Diego Zoo, it was mentioned how the calf was being nursed delicately by the first-time mother, getting plenty of attention from her too.
The baby pygmy hippo was born with a birth weight of 12 pounds. However, just after one month, the weight has healthily increased to 25 pounds.
In today’s day and age, pygmy hippos are termed as endangered animals by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. According to statistics, there are less than 2500 pygmy hippopotamuses still residing in Africa.
These endangered species tend to live inside rivers as well as streams, primarily located in the West African range of Liberia’s forests. At the same time, tiny populations can be found in locations like Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast, and Guinea.
To help prepare for the pygmy calf’s birth, wildlife specialists had placed small and shallow tubs at the zoo’s Lost Forest region. After being delivered, the baby calf showed all-natural adaptations as well as instincts that pertain to pygmy hippos. This includes the closing of the nostrils and holding breath underwater.
Today, both mother Mabel and her calf are enjoying complete access to the maternity yard’s pool area.
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