Tanganyika Wildlife Park has announced the birth of a healthy female pygmy hippopotamus calf, Daisy, the newest addition to its established pygmy hippo group. Photo credits to Aaron Patton who captured the perfect moment between Daisy and the duck.
Born to experienced parents Pluto and Posie, Daisy represents another successful step in the park’s ongoing efforts to care for and breed this endangered species. Animal care staff report that both mother and calf are doing well, with Daisy showing strong early development while remaining close to her mother.
In addition to her importance for conservation, Daisy has already shown a unique behavioral trait that has captured the attention of keepers, an apparent attachment to a small yellow rubber duck.
The rubber duck was introduced as part of routine environmental enrichment in Daisy’s shallow water area. According to staff, Daisy quickly began interacting with the object, gently nudging it through the water and following its movement around the enclosure. Within a short period, she began consistently seeking it out during periods of rest.
Keepers have since observed that Daisy appears more relaxed when the duck is nearby and will often reposition herself next to it while resting. If the object is temporarily removed during routine cleaning, she has been seen searching for it within her enclosure.
Animal care staff note that such interactions can be a positive sign of early curiosity and comfort. Enrichment items like floating objects are commonly used to encourage natural exploratory behavior in young animals, particularly semi-aquatic species like pygmy hippos.
Pygmy hippopotamuses (Choeropsis liberiensis) are classified as endangered, with fewer than 3,000 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Facilities like Tanganyika Wildlife Park play an important role in managed breeding programs that support the long-term survival of the species. This is the second exciting birth recently in the US as on January 22 Jellybean was born at the Arizona Wildlife World Zoo as well.
Daisy will remain behind the scenes as she continues to develop and bond with her mother. The park expects to share updates on her progress and anticipates introducing her to the public in the coming weeks.
Contact:
https://twpark.com/