The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) on Friday, May 26, with “pure delight,” announced the latest addition Revolution Ridge – its most recent zoo expansion.

The newest addition to Revolution Ridge doesn’t have a name, yet, but is a “precious pygmy hippo calf” born to Holly and Ralph on Wednesday, May 24.

This is the first pygmy hippo born at GSC.

Pygmy hippopotamuses, as one might expect, are much smaller that the common river hippopotamus, which weigh between 2,900 pounds and 4,000 pounds. A pygmy hippo by comparison weighs between 350 pounds and 600 pounds. Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa and are considered an endangered species. It is estimated that there are fewer than 2,500 adult pygmy hippos in the wild.

GSC’s Vice President of Animal Health and Welfare Jessica Hoffman in a press release said, “When we decided on pygmy hippos as a species choice for Revolution Ridge, it was our intention to build an exhibit that would best support a breeding program. With only ten breeding pairs of pygmy hippos within AZA [Association of Zoos and Aquariums] institutions, we knew this would be a monumental milestone if Ralph and Holly were successful. We have been monitoring Holly’s pregnancy through the duration of her gestation, but with a first time mom, we remained cautious. We collectively released a huge sigh of relief and cheered when we saw our adorable new calf take its first steps. Holly is proving to be a very vigilant and caring mother, and we can’t wait for our GSC community to meet this latest addition.”

Revolution Ridge, the largest expansion of GSC to date, opened in June 2021. The 12-acre expansion was designed to be a breeding center for unique and endangered wildlife from all over the world and it appears to be working.

Beginning on Friday, May 26, viewing of the pygmy hippo in the indoor holding area will be intermittent and will be at the discretion of the GSC animal staff.

 

 

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