Pygmy Hippo at Louisville Zoo

Baby Hippo born at Louisville Zoo

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

The Louisville Zoo is celebrating the birth of a male pygmy hippo born in the early hours of the morning on August 28, 2014. The baby hippo was born to Hope and Maji, the Zoo’s adult hippo pair. Currently, the baby weighs 16 lbs. and mom and baby are doing well.

If weather remains consistently warm, the Zoo hopes to have the hippo baby on exhibit near Gorilla Forest within the month. Like all new animals, the baby hippo will go through an acclimation period gradually increasing the number of hours he is on exhibit (weather and pool temperatures permitting).

Details of a naming contest will be announced soon.

The hippo birth was planned and is a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Breeding plans work to improve the genetic diversity of managed animal populations.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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