Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park in Litchfield Park, Arizona, recently welcomed a new pygmy hippo calf named Jellybean.
Jellybean got her name after a public contest where people could choose from candy-themed options to match her mom, Lollipop, and dad, Tootsie Roll.
“When she swims, You can tell she’s the happiest hippo in the world and who loves being close to her mother,” said Danielle Hinderliter, education specialist at Wildlife World Zoo. “Being able to see this interaction between the two is something very special.”
Hinderliter said Jellybean has received a lot of attention, both online and in person.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Hinderliter said. “People have been coming and there’s usually a huge crowd right in front of the venue.”
Wildlife World Zoo has a breeding program and hopes to contribute to the increase of the endangered population. Hinderliter says African animals generally adapt well to Arizona because the regions have similar climates.
See other animals with unique characteristics in nature
“We are gaining a better understanding of how we can protect these wild counterparts, raise awareness and engage the community so we can better protect these incredible animals and ensure their longevity into the future,” Hinderliter said.
The pygmy hippo species gained notoriety in 2024, after a pygmy hippo calf in Thailand, named Moo Deng, went viral. Pygmy hippos are much smaller than the common river hippo, which can weigh up to 4 tons.
Pygmy hippos weigh between 135 and 180 kg.
