GODDARD, Kan. (KWCH) – Tanganyika Wildlife Park recently welcomed a new addition to its family, enhancing the pygmy hippopotamus population. A male pygmy hippopotamus calf was born on June 26, 2025, to parents Pluto and Posie, contributing to a species that now has fewer than 3,000 remaining in the wild.
At his first veterinary checkup, the newborn weighed just under 13 pounds and was confirmed to be healthy and alert. Since his birth, the Tanganyika staff has observed the calf bonding privately with his mother and showing early signs of confidence and playfulness, such as mock-sparring with branches and sprinting laps around the barn.
On June 26, 2025, a male pygmy hippopotamus calf was born at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.(Tanganyika Wildlife Park)
“Posie is an attentive mother, nursing well and keeping the baby close—a true professional,” said Sierra Smith, Hoofstock Keeper at Tanganyika.
This calf is the fifth born to Posie and Pluto since they arrived at the park in 2014. Only three pygmy hippo births were recorded in the U.S. last year.
“Every pygmy hippo birth, whether in human care or in the wild, is crucial for the ongoing survival of the species,” stated Dr. Samantha Russak, Curator of Research and Welfare at the park.
On June 26, 2025, a male pygmy hippopotamus calf was born at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.(Tanganyika Wildlife Park)
Visitors can see the hippo family during Tanganyika’s open season (March–November) and participate in the park’s one-of-a-kind Pygmy Hippo Family Meet & Greet. The calf is still bonding with mom behind the scenes, but will make his public debut later this summer.
You can help name the baby by voting on one of three options here.
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