News Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates Hippo Birth

I am Timmy

I am Timmy

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
by Scott Terrell, DVM, DACVP, Director of Animal & Science Operations, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is delighted to announce the birth of a Nile hippopotamus, the first hippo born at the park in 13 years.
Born at approximately 10 p.m. last night, the calf is staying close to mom Tuma. Our animal care team is giving Tuma and her calf plenty of room to nurse and bond, so the calf’s gender and weight may not be known for some time. Typically, a newborn calf weighs between 60 and 110 pounds.
This birth marks another success for our dedicated and highly trained team of Disney animal care experts. Tuma and her mate Henry were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Nile hippopotamus is a vulnerable species with a declining population. This birth is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures. We hope guests will see this adorable hippo calf and be inspired to take action to protect them in the wild.
0114ZS_0416DR-624x416.jpg

You may see Tuma and her calf on Kilimanjaro Safaris and also during the Wild Africa Trek experience.
Isn't this wonderful? So adorable.
 
MrToadFan55

MrToadFan55

Member
I am Timmy said:
by Scott Terrell, DVM, DACVP, Director of Animal & Science Operations, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is delighted to announce the birth of a Nile hippopotamus, the first hippo born at the park in 13 years.
Born at approximately 10 p.m. last night, the calf is staying close to mom Tuma. Our animal care team is giving Tuma and her calf plenty of room to nurse and bond, so the calf’s gender and weight may not be known for some time. Typically, a newborn calf weighs between 60 and 110 pounds.
This birth marks another success for our dedicated and highly trained team of Disney animal care experts. Tuma and her mate Henry were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Nile hippopotamus is a vulnerable species with a declining population. This birth is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures. We hope guests will see this adorable hippo calf and be inspired to take action to protect them in the wild.
0114ZS_0416DR-624x416.jpg

You may see Tuma and her calf on Kilimanjaro Safaris and also during the Wild Africa Trek experience.
Isn't this wonderful? So adorable.
Click to expand...
I’m going to animal kingdom today! I’ll try to see if She’s out
 
Captain Barbossa

Captain Barbossa

Well-Known Member
peter11435 said:
Unlikely. It’s generally several weeks to months before baby animals are on show.
Click to expand...
The official article makes it sound like that the calf can be seen as of now. I also believe that the calf was not born backstage. If it was born backstage, they would have been able to find out the gender and see how much it weighs. The fact that they have not gotten to the calf yet makes me think that it was probably born in the exhibit, possibly in the water. That and the fact that they are bonding and nursing, and you do not want to tick off a mama hippo ;)
 
peter11435

peter11435

Well-Known Member
Captain Barbossa said:
The official article makes it sound like that the calf can be seen as of now. I also believe that the calf was not born backstage. If it was born backstage, they would have been able to find out the gender and see how much it weighs. The fact that they have not gotten to the calf yet makes me think that it was probably born in the exhibit, possibly in the water. That and the fact that they are bonding and nursing, and you do not want to tick off a mama hippo ;)
Click to expand...
You are correct. In this case it does sound as though the baby is already onstage.
 

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