Disney announced that a new baby Nile hippopotamus was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom late Saturday night at around 10 p.m. It is the first hippo born at the park in 13 years.
The new hippo calf is staying close to its mother, Tuma. Disney’s animal care staff is giving mother and baby room to nurse and bond, so the gender and weight of the baby may not be known for some time. Newborn hippo calves typically weigh between 60 and 110 pounds.
The baby was born to Tuma and her mate Henry, who were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan, overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Nile hippopotamus is considered a vulnerable species and its population is declining.
Tuma and her baby can be seen on the Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Earlier this year, two Sumatran tiger cubs were born in Animal Kingdom. The cubs made their public debut in the Maharajah Jungle Trek last month. Sumatran tigers are a critically endanger species and are the smallest surviving tiger subspecies on Earth. The cubs, a boy and a girl named Jeda and Amala, are the first tiger cubs born in the park.
Congratulations, DAK. Could Tuma’s mate, Henry, be the same as Fiona’s papa, or just a popular hippo moniker? Sadly, Cincinnati’s Henry passed in October but he might still be father to Tuma’s calf.
The Cincinnati Zoo announced that this Henry is actually the father of Bibi, Fiona’s mother. So this baby is Fiona’s aunt or uncle and Bibi’s brother or sister!!