Disney’s Animal Kingdom is delighted to announce the birth of a Nile hippopotamus, the first hippo born at the park in 13 years.
Born at approximately 10 p.m. last night, the calf is staying close to mom Tuma. Our animal care team is giving Tuma and her calf plenty of room to nurse and bond, so the calf’s gender and weight may not be known for some time. Typically, a newborn calf weighs between 60 and 110 pounds.
This birth marks another success for our dedicated and highly trained team of Disney animal care experts. Tuma and her mate Henry were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Nile hippopotamus is a vulnerable species with a declining population. This birth is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures. We hope guests will see this adorable hippo calf and be inspired to take action to protect them in the wild.
You may see Tuma and her calf on Kilimanjaro Safaris and also during the Wild Africa Trek experience. To learn more about hippos, visit DisneyAnimals.com.
Comments
Congratulations to Walt Disney and Animal kingdom. Can’t wait to know the gender to see if we have a Sir Walt or Lady Disney?
And am I correct thinking this Hippo is the
Aunt or Uncle of Fiona at the Cincinnati Zoo.
This hippo is related to Fiona. While the father is not the same Henry as Fiona’s father (who died 10/31/17, RIP), he is the father of Bibi who is Fiona’s mother.
Different Henry, but Bibi was born at Animal Kingdom. Not sure who Bibi’s mother is.
SOOO CUTE! I want one! Can’t wait to visit this Spring to see all the beautiful animals at Animal Kingdom.
This is just the best news! Thanks for keeping us up to date on all the new animal babies, I’ve always loved that about DW.
By chance – is it the same Henry that fathered Fiona? I know it’s a long shot, but wouldn’t that be something!
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