Zoo in Virginia Launches Poll to Name Newborn Pygmy Hippopotamus Calf
A public vote has opened to name the Metro Richmond Zoo’s newborn female pygmy hippopotamus calf.
The calf was born on Dec. 9, according to a Christmas Eve news release from the Virginia-based zoo.
“Hippo hooray! The zoo is excited to announce a heartwarming addition to our animal family just in time for the holidays: a baby pygmy hippo. The newborn arrived on December 9, 2024, after a 7-month gestation. Congratulations to pygmy hippo parents Iris and Corwin on the birth of another little girl,” the zoo in Mosley said in the release.
A Joyous Occasion at the Metro Richmond Zoo
The unnamed calf is the hippo couple’s third in the last 4½ years, with the delightful news being punctuated by a festive atmosphere. Christmas, synonymous with the season of giving, has now become a hallmark time for the newest arrival. The zoo shared a heartwarming video showcasing the calf’s energetic antics, set to the cheerful melody of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” capturing the essence of this joyous moment.
“Most people don’t get a hippopotamus for Christmas at all, so we feel lucky to have received two over the years,” the Metro Richmond Zoo shared, a sentiment echoing the humor of the season.
The Miracle of Birth
Iris delivered this calf in water, marking her first water birth. A striking contrast to their larger counterparts, pygmy hippos possess unique birthing habits—giving birth both on land and submerged in water. “The baby’s natural instincts kicked in, and she started moving around in the water immediately,” the zoo noted, reflecting on the remarkable adaptability of nature.
The newborn, weighing a healthy 15 pounds, is expected to grow to a majestic 600 pounds. Such numbers remind one of life’s fleeting nature, encapsulating the joy and the responsibilities that accompany growth.
On December 27, the Metro Richmond Zoo opened a poll inviting the community to vote for a name for the precious calf. Choices include Poppy, Juniper, Hammie Mae, and Omi. Each name, rich in meaning, offers a glimpse into the heart behind the selection: Poppy pays homage to her mother’s floral name, while Juniper nods to the winter magic surrounding her, Hammie Mae ties back to southern roots, and Omi resonates as the Yoruba word for “water.”
The response to this naming opportunity was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with over 14,000 votes pouring in from devoted hippo fans worldwide. “We’re thrilled to see so many people joining in on the fun of naming our adorable pygmy hippo baby,” the zoo announced, a reflection of the strong community ties that bind residents to their local zoo, which has been a cherished part of Richmond life.
However, if no name secures an outright majority when the poll closes on December 31 at 2 p.m., a second round of voting will take place to decide between the top two names among the contenders.
Reflecting on the significance of this event, it’s worth noting that the Metro Richmond Zoo’s newest member arrives months after Moo Deng, a viral sensation from Thailand. Moo Deng captured the public’s heart, showcasing her playful spirit and inspiring artistic trends, proving how interconnected we all are through moments of joy and wonder. These stories remind us, in an age overflowing with digital noise, of the simple beauty found in the natural world.
