Story perspectives
John Ball Zoo Celebrates First Pygmy Hippo Birth!
9/12/2025
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Story summary
- John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, welcomed a male pygmy hippo calf on September 3, 2025.
- The calf's gender was revealed on September 11 when father Jahari broke open a watermelon filled with blue Jell-O.
- This marks the zoo's first pygmy hippo calf, born to first-time mother Penelope.
- With fewer than 2,500 pygmy hippos left in the wild, the birth supports conservation efforts.
- Zoo staff are excited and anticipate public viewing soon.
