John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids announced the birth of a pygmy hippo calf this week. First-time parents Penelope and Jahari welcomed their 11-pound little one September 3, marking a historic moment as this is the first pygmy hippo calf born at the zoo.
The pygmy hippo is an endangered species with a population of fewer than 2,500 estimated in the wild, so each birth is a vital step for conservation, according to the zoo's post on Instagram.
John Ball Zoo
The zoo's animal care team said it's keeping a close eye on mom and baby as they bond behind the scenes, and the team said both are doing well.
