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We celebrate the arrival of an endangered pygmy hippo calf

November 21, 2016

The adorable male calf was born on Wednesday 2 November to mum, Wendy and dad, Oliver.

Wendy is an experienced mum but this is the first time Oliver has bred a calf.

Pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) are native to the forests and swamps of West Africa. These animals face many threats in the wild such as deforestation and logging which has caused a rapid loss of their habitat.

Claire Mound, Team Leader for Primates and Small Mammals said: “We are really excited to confirm this new arrival is male. He has quickly learnt how to use his feet and is already jumping around.

“Wendy is a very attentive and gentle mother to her new calf which is lovely to watch. Over the next few weeks we will continue to monitor the new arrival and start to introduce him to the rest of his enclosure and the pool.”

Pygmy hippos spend more time on land compared to the common hippo, however, they will spend much of their time in swamps and are still very well adapted to life in the water.

The latest addition to Marwell Zoo will be a valuable asset to the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP) which conserves the species to avoid extinction.

For regular updates on the calf’s progress and for the latest pictures visit the Marwell Wildlife Facebook page