WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Public voting has ended, and the newest pygmy hippo calf at the Tanganyika Wildlife Park now has a name – Mars.
The park said the hippo’s name was selected as a nod to his dad, Pluto, continuing the family’s planetary theme.
Mars was born on June 26 and is one of fewer than 450 pygmy hippos in human care worldwide.
“Every birth helps protect this critically endangered species, and this little guy is already winning hearts with his zoomies, naps, and clumsy attempts to climb on mom during pool time,” said TWP.
Guests can meet Mars and his mom, Posie, starting Tuesday, July 22, each afternoon from 12 p.m. to park close, weather and animal comfort permitting.
Copyright 2025 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com