‘No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses’: Virginia zoo will get uncommon hippo for Christmas

A uncommon and endangered pygmy hippopotamus was born at a Virginia zoo simply in time for Christmas.

The feminine calf was born on Dec. 6 on the Metro Richmond Zoo and weighed 16 kilos.

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“Christmas got here early on the zoo! We did certainly obtain a hippopotamus for Christmas this 12 months,” the Metro Richmond Zoo stated in an announcement.

The calf has but to be named, and the zoo is asking for the general public’s assistance on Fb.

Pygmy hippos are thought-about to be one of many world’s rarest mammals, in response to the World Animal Basis. They're additionally listed as endangered on the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature Pink Record.

"With lower than 2,500 mature people left within the wild, their survival in zoological parks is extra sure than their survival within the wild," the zoo added. "This start performs an necessary function in serving to shield this fascinating and uncommon species."

Wild pygmy hippos are solely present in a couple of African nations.

The pygmy hippo is understood for its shorter legs, lighter weight, and extra compact construct. A full-grown pygmy hippo is more likely to solely weigh as a lot as 600 kilos — about half the dimensions of widespread hippopotamuses.

The mom and calf are being saved in a personal enclosure on the Metro Richmond Zoo however will quickly transfer to an indoor pool exhibit the place company can watch the brand new hippo begin swimming.