What surprises are hiding under the water at Zacango Zoo? Let's find out! (Photo This past July, Zacango Zoo in Calimaya, Mexico welcomed an adorable new animal. A baby hippo!
The still-unnamed calf was born to a 22-year-old mother named Tamba. It is mommy's first successful birth. Congrats! Here's a picture of the happy hippo pair.
A baby hippo is seen with its mother at Zacango Zoo in Calimaya, Mexico. More photos of the week: https://t.co/h8KtqShXq2 pic.twitter.com/jS3pIoMiz8
— Reuters Pictures (@reuterspictures) July 24, 2020
Getting better
Though hippopotamuses are considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), things have been getting better. For decades, poaching (illegal hunting) and habitat loss had driven the animals to endangered status.
But in 2016, the animals were promoted to 'vulnerable' status. This meant that their numbers had been recovering. Much of this boost was thanks to anti-poaching regulations and protections to their habitats. But breeding programs in captivity (such as in zoos) have also helped, which makes the birth at Zacango Zoo exciting.
You can join in the joy with the baby hippo video below. Because who doesn't love hippo hugs!
Aww…