Zoo welcomes baby pygmy hippo born just before Christmas; administrators call him “POOMI” until a vote on naming him is held

In the warmth of the holiday season, Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce that it has just welcomed its newest addition - an adorable little pygmy hippo. The baby hippo was born on December 9, 2024, the third daughter of mother Iris and father Corwin, much to the delight of the Zoo's keepers.

In order to provide a comfortable environment for both mother and daughter, Iris and the baby hippo have been moved to a hay-filled enclosure to ensure they have plenty of privacy during close encounters. Over time, they will be gradually returned to the indoor pool area so that visitors can enjoy the newborn baby member.

The baby hippo has not yet been officially named, but the zoo has launched a poll inviting the public to name her. Candidates include POPPY (a flower that shares her mother's name), JUNIPER (an evergreen shrub that stands for winter), HAMMIE MAE (a sweet southern name associated with Virginia ham), and OMI (meaning “water” in Yoruba). Based on the results of the poll, POPPY seems to be the most popular choice at the moment. However, the breeders often refer to her as POOMI, a name that symbolizes health and happiness.

The baby hippo underwent a neonatal exam within five days of her birth, and the veterinary team confirmed her sex and health, weighing a healthy 15 pounds. Adult pygmy hippos can weigh up to 600 pounds, so this little hippo has plenty of room to grow.

The pygmy hippopotamus is an endangered species that primarily inhabits the swamps and rivers of West Africa, with fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remaining in the wild. Each new birth is an important step in protecting this rare species. Unlike the common hippopotamus, pygmy hippos typically live alone or in pairs, so Iris's first two calves will be transferred to other animal facilities as they grow up to live with their future mates and contribute to conservation efforts.

As the only zoo in Virginia where hippos can be viewed, Metro Richmond Zoo looks forward to visitors coming to witness this newborn baby pygmy hippo and participating in the naming event to celebrate this exciting occasion.