The Toronto Zoo is buzzing with excitement following the birth of a female pygmy hippopotamus on August 2. Weighing in at just four kilograms—about the size of a loaf of bread—the calf is already on her feet and thriving under the protective gaze of her mother, Kindia. This significant event marks a positive step for a species that has been grappling with dwindling numbers in the wild and captivity.
A Moment of Anticipation
Just moments after her birth, the tiny calf exhibited signs of life, nuzzling into her bed of straw while her mother paced nearby, keeping a watchful eye. Staff members at the zoo were filled with a mix of anxiety and hope as they monitored the newborn, aware of the challenges faced by pygmy hippos in their early days. In the week since, the calf has shown promising signs of growth, much to the relief and joy of the zookeepers. Grant Furniss, the zoo’s director of wildlife operations, described the atmosphere among the staff as “contagious,” filled with excitement and happiness.
“It’s fantastic to come to work every single day. People are excited and happy,” Furniss shared in a recent interview. “This little calf is hitting milestones on a daily basis, and witnessing her develop alongside her mother has been incredibly rewarding.”
The Plight of Pygmy Hippos
Hailing from West Africa, the pygmy hippopotamus population has dramatically declined from an estimated 29,000 in the 1980s to around 2,500 today. The International Union for Conservation of Nature attributes this decline to habitat destruction and rampant hunting. Currently, the Toronto Zoo is home to all three pygmy hippos residing in Canada, making this birth even more crucial for the species’ survival.
Kindia, a 20-year-old resident of the zoo since 2016, has now given birth to three calves. The first tragically did not survive beyond 24 hours, while her second, named Penelope, was born in 2018 and now resides at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The survival rates for pygmy hippo calves are notoriously low, raising concerns among researchers. Factors such as maternal anxiety, disease vulnerability, and nutritional deficits in the mother’s milk may contribute to these challenges.
Breeding for a Brighter Future
Furniss explained that the zoo’s breeding programme aims to create a “genetically-safe insurance population” for pygmy hippos. This initiative is not merely about attracting visitors; it is about ensuring the species has a fighting chance in the wild. When Kindia was selected for breeding, experts used an international database to find a suitable mate, eventually pairing her with Harvey, a 31-year-old pygmy hippo also at the zoo.
Breeding these elusive animals poses its own set of challenges. Furniss likened the process to that of lions, noting that both male and female pygmy hippos are typically solitary and only tolerate one another during mating. “For three or four days, they will tolerate one another, and then as soon as Harvey realises that Kindia is no longer cycling, he makes it clear that it’s time for him to be separated again,” Furniss explained.
Caring for the Newborn
Upon learning of Kindia’s pregnancy, the zoo’s team implemented special measures to ensure her comfort and safety. They created a climate-controlled environment, complete with a thick layer of straw and heating sources to maintain a temperature of approximately 25°C. After a gestation period of around 180 to 210 days, Kindia went into labour early on August 2, delivering her healthy calf after approximately 90 minutes.
Amanda Carroll, a wildlife care keeper at the zoo, noted the remarkable transformation in Kindia’s behaviour following the birth. “She became noticeably more protective and alert, which is quite different from her usual easy-going demeanour,” Carroll said. Within a week, the calf had doubled her weight, signalling positive health indicators. In the coming weeks, zoo staff will introduce her to water, mud, and brush, gradually preparing her for the outside world.
While visitors will have the chance to see the calf in about a month, this timeline may shift depending on her comfort level around people. Although a name has yet to be chosen, the zoo encourages the public to stay tuned via social media for updates.
“This is part of why we’re doing our job,” Carroll expressed. “Getting to have this direct and hands-on experience is incredibly fulfilling. It’s exciting to see how many people are thrilled about this baby.”
Why it Matters
The birth of the pygmy hippo calf at the Toronto Zoo is more than just a heartwarming story; it represents a critical effort in the fight to conserve an endangered species. Each successful birth not only contributes to the zoo’s breeding programme but also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of pygmy hippos in the wild. As communities rally around conservation efforts, this newborn calf embodies the resilience of nature and the importance of safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity for generations to come.