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An endangered pygmy hippo was born at the San Diego Zoo, the first in over 30 years

Endangered Pygmy Hippo Born at San Diego ZooLast month, after days of anticipation, Mabel, a 4-year-old pygmy hippopotamus at the San Diego Zoo, gave birth to her first calf. The male pygmy hippo calf was born just before 9 a.m. on April 9, and weighed
San Diego Zoo Global
Last month, after days of anticipation, Mabel, a 4-year-old pygmy hippopotamus at the San Diego Zoo, gave birth to her first calf.

(CNN) - Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, but in April, one was born at the San Diego Zoo. It was the zoo's first successful pygmy hippo birth in more than 30 years.

Mabel, a 4-year-old pygmy hippopotamus at the San Diego Zoo, gave birth to her first calf the morning of April 9, the zoo announced Friday.

(Photo: San Diego Zoo Global)

The calf hasn't been named yet, but the zoo said it stood, walked and followed its mother around within just a few hours of its birth.

"Mom and calf are doing very well," the zoo said in a statement. "The calf is nursing and getting lots of attention from the first-time mother."

(Photo: San Diego Zoo Global)

According to the zoo, pygmy hippos typically reside in the rivers and streams of West African forests. Less than 2,500 pygmy hippos live in Africa, the zoo said.

The baby now weighs 25 pounds, up from the wee 12.4 pounds he weighed at birth.

Anyone looking to see the new addition will have to wait about a month before he's introduced to the main habitat, the zoo said.

Article Topic Follows: Animals

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