Everything we know about Poppy, Metro Richmond Zoo’s adorable baby hippo

Meet Poppy, Virginia’s newest pygmy hippo star! Born at Metro Richmond Zoo, she’s stealing hearts worldwide with her underwater adventures.

There’s something magical about watching a baby animal take its first swim—especially when that baby happens to be a pygmy hippopotamus. At the Metro Richmond Zoo, a pint-sized princess named Poppy is making history as Virginia’s newest (and most aquatically gifted) celebrity, drawing international attention and more than 116,000 votes in a global naming contest. Born just before Christmas, this endangered calf represents hope for her species while capturing hearts with every splash and waddle. And now, thanks to a new live-streaming camera, hippo enthusiasts around the world can watch this little Virginia native grow up in real time.

A star is born

The journey began on December 9, 2024, when Poppy was born to parents Iris and Corwin after a seven-month gestation. Her arrival marks a significant milestone for wildlife conservation, as pygmy hippos are endangered in the wild. On December 30, the brave calf took her first public swim in the zoo’s Hippo Haven pool area, demonstrating the natural aquatic abilities that make hippos so captivating.

Making a splash

Unlike most babies, Poppy spends her days nursing underwater—a remarkable sight for visitors. During these winter months, Poppy and Iris remain in the indoor pool area during visiting hours, retiring to their hay-bedded bedroom in the evenings. The zoo started with lower water levels to help Poppy adjust to her new surroundings, gradually increasing the depth as she grew more comfortable.

A name fit for a princess

The naming of Virginia’s newest celebrity became a global phenomenon, with the Metro Richmond Zoo’s poll attracting votes from 165 countries. In a close runoff between “Poppy” and “Hammie Mae,” the flowery moniker prevailed with 52.8% of the vote, complementing her mother’s botanical name, Iris.

Watch Poppy grow

Starting January 13, fans can tune into “Poppy Cam,” a live stream available daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. The overhead view of the indoor pool offers an intimate glimpse into Poppy’s world, complete with educational facts about pygmy hippos. Whether she’s swimming, sleeping, or nursing underwater, viewers can peek into her daily routine. Outside streaming hours, fans can enjoy a highlight reel of Poppy’s greatest moments.

Want to see this pint-sized cutie in person? Visit Poppy and Iris at the Metro Richmond Zoo’s Hippo Haven exhibit, located at 8300 Beaver Bridge Road in Moseley, Virginia. Hippo enthusiasts can also submit their Poppy-inspired photos and memes to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in the Popular Poppy Posts section alongside the live stream.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Dogwood staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.