Pygmy Hippo Calf Born at Toronto Zoo Begins Nursing Within Hours

The zoo said the newborn is doing well and is being monitored around the clock, noting that calf survival for the species can be challenging. The calf's mother, Kindia, became pregnant after being introduced to 31-year-old male Harvey for eight days in January. Toronto Zoo CEO Dolf DeJong said the birth highlights the role of accredited zoos in conservation, as pygmy hippos are endangered with only about 2,000 to 3,000 left in the wild, facing threats from habitat loss due to logging, mining, farming, and human settlement. The calf is confidently navigating its new environment.