MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Montgomery Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a rare and endangered pygmy hippo just in time for spring break! Born on February 9th, Anuket has quickly captured the hearts of both zoo staff and visitors with her adorable and energetic personality.
Anuket, named after the Egyptian goddess of the Nile River, lives up to her name, symbolizing beauty with her playful nature. For the first two months of her life, she spent time bonding closely with her mother, Lola, and father, Nile. During this time, caretakers discovered that Anuket has developed a particular fondness for watermelon, adding to her charm!
Now ready to meet the public, Anuket will make her debut in the zoo’s Pygmy Hippo nursing suite, where visitors can get an up-close look at her lovable personality. It’s a perfect opportunity to see this precious baby hippo interact with her family and enjoy her playful antics.
Anuket’s birth marks an important milestone in the Montgomery Zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts for the pygmy hippo, which is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). With Anuket’s arrival, the zoo has now welcomed eight pygmy hippos in just nine years, emphasizing its vital role in preserving this remarkable species.
The zoo’s success in breeding pygmy hippos is a result of its participation in the Species Survival Plan (SSP). Over the years, calves like Ronda (2024), Meela (2023), Hadari (2022), Betty Rose and Blanche (2019), Levi (2018), and Monty (2016) have been born at the zoo. These calves are then placed at other accredited facilities, further contributing to the conservation efforts aimed at ensuring the survival and growth of the pygmy hippo population.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Montgomery Zoo this spring break and meet Anuket and her family. It’s the perfect opportunity to witness this adorable baby hippo in action and learn about the important conservation work being done to protect this endangered species.
