GREENSBORO, NC (WGHP) – A warm welcome to Greensboro’s newest resident!
The Greensboro Science Center has announced the birth of a “precious pygmy hippo calf” who was born Wednesday, May 24 (so a Gemini) to parents Holly and Ralph! This is the first major milestone in the expansion of Revolution Ridge and the first pygmy hippo born at the center.
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“Revolution Ridge was built with the goal of raising awareness of endangered species and understanding why these species are so valuable to our world. Many animal exhibits have been designed to support breeding programs and that’s totally a testament that in just over two years, GSC is now home to its first pygmy hippo calf,” said Beth Hemphill, COO of the Greensboro Science Center.
“We knew it would be a monumental milestone if Ralph and Holly were successful,” said Jessica Hoffman, GSC vice president of animal health and welfare. “We’ve been following Holly’s pregnancy throughout her gestation, but with a first-time mom, we’ve been cautious. We collectively breathed a huge sigh of relief and cheered when we saw our adorable new -born to take her first steps. Holly is proving to be a very watchful and caring mother, and we can’t wait for our GSC community to meet this latest addition!”
Caretakers worked hard to prepare Holly, the first mom, for success with ‘incredible’ prenatal care with exams and ultrasounds. Holly is a bold personality, contrasting the more laid-back Ralph, so guardians are excited to see which parent the little bundle of joy favors.
Keep up to date with the latest news from our friends at the Science Centre!
The pygmy hippo weighs much leaner than its cousin the river hippo, coming in at only 350 to 600 pounds compared to the average river hippo of several tons.
By the time this little bundle of joy is about five months old, he should be more than ten times the size he was when he was born!
Pygmy hippos are considered an endangered species in their native West Africa.
Beginning Friday, indoor hippo viewing will be intermittent at the discretion of animal staff while they monitor mom and baby.
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Greensboro Science Center’s social media channels are the best ways to keep up with the baby and all of the center’s residents.
Holly’s calf comes just weeks after the birth of two bintlets at the center, and the same week the Asheboro North Carolina Zoo welcomed a new giraffe calf to its tower.
