Move over, Moo Deng; there’s a new hippo in town

The Metro Richmond Zoo recently welcomed a new member of the family. Poppy the pygmy hippo was born just before Christmas.

Baby pygmy hippos made a splash online in July, with the birth of Moo Deng. But if you’re looking for a new baby animal to obsess over, there’s a new hippo in town at the Metro Richmond Zoo!

Poppy the pygmy hippo was born on Dec. 9, 2024, to parents Iris and Corwin. Poppy’s parents have three children together, and Poppy is the third baby born in four-and-a-half years. 

Zookeepers aided Iris in the birth, and some zoo visitors got to see the miracle first hand. Poppy started moving right away. An examination soon after birth ensured her health. She weighed in at a whopping 15 lbs. just five days after her birth—but that’s nothing, as she’s expected to reach 600 lbs. when she reaches maturity!

After her birth, the question arose of what to name the baby hippo. The zoo gave the choice to the public (both in Richmond and beyond). After 116,000 votes from around the world, the name Poppy fit best (our apologies to those who chose the name Hammie Mae).

The pygmy hippo is an endangered species, with only about 2,000 surviving today. The Metro Richmond Zoo’s conservation initiatives help to keep animals like the cheetah, orangutan, or even hippos thriving in captivity. For more information on the zoo’s initiatives, please visit the Metro Richmond Zoo’s website. 

Would you like to help the zoo’s conservation efforts? Then consider running in the zoo’s Run Wild Races. This bi-annual race has multiple events for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you walk the one-mile race, run the 5K race, or try your strength in their Ninja course, all proceeds from these races go toward the conservation of the Metro Richmond Zoo’s endangered animals. To register for the upcoming race in May, or to donate, please visit the Run Wild Race’s signup page.