The Toronto Zoo is celebrating a significant milestone with the recent birth of a female pygmy hippopotamus calf, which arrived on August 2. This delightful addition, weighing in at approximately four kilograms, has captivated both staff and visitors alike, marking a small but vital step towards bolstering the population of this endangered species.
A Rarity in the Wild
The pygmy hippopotamus, native to West Africa, faces numerous threats to its survival, with current estimates suggesting that only about 2,500 individuals remain in the wild, a sharp decline from 29,000 during the 1980s. Habitat loss due to deforestation and rampant hunting have contributed to this alarming decrease, as noted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Toronto Zoo currently houses all three pygmy hippos in Canada, making the birth of this calf particularly significant for conservation efforts.
Grant Furniss, the zoo’s director of wildlife operations, expressed the excitement surrounding the new arrival: “It’s fantastic to come to work every single day. People are excited and happy. This little calf is hitting milestones on a daily basis. It’s not just the birth, but seeing her develop with her mum each and every day.” The calf’s early signs of strength are encouraging, especially given the low survival rates for this species in both captivity and the wild.
The Journey to Parenthood
The calf’s mother, Kindia, 20, is no stranger to motherhood; however, her previous experiences have been bittersweet. Her first calf tragically passed away within a day of birth, prompting a period of solitude for Kindia to grieve. Her second calf, Penelope, born in 2018, now resides at the John Ball Zoo in Michigan, where she has her own offspring. The zoo staff are hopeful that this latest addition will thrive.
Furniss explained that while the reasons for low survival rates among newborn pygmy hippos remain unclear, factors such as maternal anxiety, susceptibility to diseases, and nutritional quality of the mother’s milk could be influential. He noted that as a mother has more calves, the chances of survival tend to improve, although the underlying reasons for this correlation are still being researched.
A Delicate Breeding Process
The breeding of pygmy hippos is a carefully orchestrated process. When Kindia was selected for breeding, the zoo utilised an international animal database to ensure genetic diversity, pairing her with a 31-year-old male, Harvey, also housed at the zoo. This matchmaking system is crucial for maintaining a genetically healthy population, providing a safeguard against extinction.
The mating process can be quite challenging, as pygmy hippos are known for their solitary and skittish nature. Furniss likened their behaviour to that of lions, where males and females generally only tolerate each other during mating periods. After a brief period of cohabitation, Harvey quickly realised it was time to separate, demonstrating the complexities involved in breeding these elusive creatures.
The Calf’s Early Development
Following her birth, the calf has been closely monitored in a controlled environment within the zoo, designed to mimic her natural habitat. The staff ensured a warm and comfortable setting, with a thick layer of straw and heat sources to maintain an ideal temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius. Kindia went into labour shortly after 8 a.m., delivering her baby approximately 1.5 hours later.
Amanda Carroll, a wildlife care keeper at the zoo, observed a noticeable change in Kindia’s behaviour post-birth. “She became more protective and alert compared to her usual easygoing nature,” Carroll noted. In just a week, the calf has doubled her weight, a positive indicator of her health and development. The zoo’s immediate focus remains on nurturing the bond between mother and calf, allowing them to spend quality time together.
In the coming weeks, the young hippo will be introduced to water, mud, and other enriching environments as she continues to grow. While the public will soon have the opportunity to meet the new calf, the exact timing of her introduction will depend on her comfort level around visitors. The zoo has yet to select a name for the calf but encourages the community to keep an eye on their social media channels for updates.
Why it Matters
The birth of this pygmy hippo calf is more than just a cause for celebration; it represents a critical effort in wildlife conservation. By focusing on breeding endangered species, the Toronto Zoo plays a vital role in developing a genetically diverse population that could one day contribute to the re-establishment of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. As the world grapples with the ongoing loss of biodiversity, each successful birth is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the importance of preserving our planet’s precious wildlife.
