Berlin, May 12, 2026 – The Berlin Zoo is celebrating the arrival of another pygmy hippopotamus calf, following the immense popularity of Toni, who quickly became a visitor favorite. The new female calf was born on May 9th to pygmy hippopotamus mother Debbie, as announced by the zoo.
A Healthy Start for the New Arrival
The young female weighed 5.9 kilograms at birth and has since grown to 7.1 kilograms. While the zoo is thrilled with the new addition, the calf is not yet on public display to ensure a period of undisturbed bonding and development with its mother.
“It’s wonderful to see how calmly and confidently Debbie is handling her offspring,” stated Florian Sicks, Curator of Mammals at the Berlin Zoo. “Pygmy hippos are very sensitive animals. Especially in the first few days, it is crucial that mother and calf have enough peace to get used to each other. We are all the more delighted that the young animal has developed very well so far.”
In keeping with the solitary nature of pygmy hippopotamuses, the father, Tobi, is not involved in the rearing of the calf.
Toni’s Legacy and Public Fascination
Zoo Director Andreas Knieriem highlighted the public’s affection for these animals, noting, “Ever since Toni, we know how much pygmy hippos can capture the hearts of visitors.” Toni, a pygmy hippopotamus born on June 3, 2024, at the Berlin Zoo, rapidly became an international sensation.
The interest in Toni was immediate and widespread. When the zoo launched a naming contest for Toni, over 20,000 suggestions poured in from the public. The young female quickly became a star online, gaining recognition even outside of Germany.
Pygmy Hippos: A Vulnerable Species
Pygmy hippopotamuses (Choeropsis liberiensis) are native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. They are significantly smaller than their common hippopotamus relatives, typically weighing between 180 to 275 kilograms (400 to 600 pounds) and standing about 75 to 100 centimeters (2.5 to 3.3 feet) tall at the shoulder. Their lifespan in captivity can reach up to 30-35 years.
The species is classified as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Their wild populations are threatened by habitat loss due to logging and agricultural expansion, as well as poaching for bushmeat. Zoos like the Berlin Zoo play a vital role in the conservation of pygmy hippos through breeding programs and public education, helping to maintain a healthy captive population and raise awareness about the threats facing these unique animals in the wild.
Conservation Efforts at Berlin Zoo
The birth of this new calf is a significant event for the Berlin Zoo’s conservation efforts. Successful breeding of endangered species in captivity is crucial for their long-term survival. The zoo participates in international breeding programs, which aim to maintain genetic diversity within captive populations and provide a safeguard against extinction in the wild.
The careful management of mother and calf in the initial days is part of these comprehensive conservation strategies, ensuring the best possible start for the young animal’s life. The zoo’s commitment extends beyond breeding, involving research and public engagement to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for these remarkable creatures.
Visitors will be informed once the new pygmy hippopotamus calf is ready to make her public debut, offering another opportunity to observe and connect with these fascinating animals.
