John Ball Zoo welcomed a new baby pygmy hippo into the world late in the evening on Wednesday, Sept. 3, marking an important conservation milestone for the species.
First-time mom Penelope and her calf are doing well and bonding behind the scenes at John Ball Zoo. This is the first pygmy hippo calf born at John Ball Zoo, and the birth represents a conservation win for the species which is endangered with fewer than 2,500 estimated pygmy hippos in the wild.
The Zoo’s latest addition and Penelope are not yet back in their public-facing habitat. This will allow Penelope the space and time to bond with her new baby.
Media are invited to John Ball Zoo on Friday, Sept. 5, to learn more about the birth from Penelope’s caretakers.
WHAT: Media availability on pygmy hippo birth
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5
WHERE: John Ball Zoo, 1300 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids
RSVP: Media must RSVP to attend. Please email Michael Martin, MMartin@Jbzoo.org to do so.
Baby hippo with Mom Penelope and with her caretakers.
Photos courtesy of the John Ball Zoo.
