See rare pygmy hippo born in Greek zoo – and why births in captivity are so important
The birth of a rare pygmy hippo means the newborn's species is closer to being saved.
This week, a rare pygmy hippopotamus was born in Athens' Attica Zoological Park. The species is endangered, making the birth an exciting event for those working to rebuild its population. It was also the first pygmy hippo birth this particular zoo has witnessed in a decade.
A lack of male pygmy hippos in captivity has proved challenging for repopulation efforts. Therefore, zookeepers and conservationists are even more ecstatic about this most recent – and yet unnamed – baby's arrival because of its sex.
Peter Gros, wildlife expert and host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, says the birth is an "momentous and exciting moment" given the impact this one hippo could have on the entire species. "Pygmy hippos typically give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 6 to 7 months, making this new baby a significant contribution" to repopulation efforts, he explains. There was similar excitement recently around the birth of Mikolas, another male pygmy hippo born in December of 2023 at the Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic.
Pygmy hippos are native to swamps and rainforests in western Africa, and it is estimated that only about 2,000-2,500 remain in the wild, Gros says. With only a dozen pygmy hippos born in zoos in 2023 – and fewer that survived – each of these births are crucial towards efforts to repopulate the species. Gros explains that pygmy hippo breeding efforts are both complicated and sensitive, and that "experts and biologists go to great lengths to make sure animals feel safe and comfortable in an environment that's reminiscent of their own habitat". He notes that because of the pygmy hippo's solitary nature, that's no easy feat. Luckily, he says, "there's a lot of data and science – from monitoring, tracking and health check-ups" that experts rely on so they can create the best replacement habitat to suit the hippos' needs.
Alicia Hoogenboom understands what goes into those behind-the-scenes efforts. As head keeper of Savannah at Attica Zoological Park, she has the task of caring for the pygmy hippos, including this latest addition. Hoogenboom says that in October, she and the other zookeepers noticed the "belly of our female hippopotamus was slightly bigger than usual". That same week, the team had their veterinarians perform an ultrasound, which she says "confirmed the suspicion" that the hippo was expecting.
But the team had to do more than just watch and wait. Hoogenboom says her team actually trained the hippo to get into the position they needed her in to do her ultrasounds and other exams. They also routinely checked to see if she had milk coming in, Hoogenboom says.
Then came the delivery prep. "As this species of hippopotamus gives birth late in the evening or at night, we have hung up a camera so we could monitor her also then," Hoogenboom explains. "On 19 of February 2024, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy of 7 kilos." The keeper describes the baby hippo as full of vitality, with bursts of energy throughout the day, followed by naptime of course. She says he's already doubled his weight since birth.
Why breeding in captivity matters
All of the care that goes into zoo breeding programs has helped many other animal species survive, as well. The Golden Lion tamarin, a small monkey species found in Brazil, was near extinction in the 1970s. But a global captive breeding program – where around 150 zoos worked together to save the species – increased the numbers. Today, there are over 4,800 golden lion tamarins.
Similar efforts have been made to save the California Condor – a species that went from only 30 to now an estimated 347, according to the National Park Service. And thanks to conservationists' massive efforts in New Zealand, two wild brown kiwi chicks were recently birthed in Wellington last year – the first wild births of the flightless bird in over 150 years.
Of course, efforts by humans to help these animals breed can't be overlooked. But some animals seem to take to the task of repopulating their species with more enthusiasm than others. Take, for example, Diego, a giant tortoise in the Galapagos, who was shipped there by the San Diego Zoo as part of its breeding program. Diego took his job – relentlessly mating – seriously. In turn, he helped bring the population back from the brink of just 14 turtles (two males and 12 females) to over 2,000. The Galapagos National Parks service says Diego is likely responsible for around 40% of that population. Diego is over 100, but alive and well (and likely somewhat tired).
As for the newest pygmy hippo, he's only at the very start of his life. Zookeepers say that like most mammal babies, he will remain close to his mother for several months before he embarks on his first wobbly explorations – growing and playing – outdoors.
Bbc.com
