BABY HIPPO LEARNING TO SWIM AT GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER HAS EVERYONE OBSESSED

Watching babies learn to navigate the world around them is one of the sweetest sights to see. Thats why people seem to be so taken with the newest animal's daily activities at this North Carolina zoological park.

The Greensboro Science Center recently shared a video on their TikTok, @greensborosciencecenter, of one of their young residents. In the clip, this young pygmy hippo calf is learning to swim, and it's a moment you don't want to miss! 

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Wow, this sweet hippo calf is getting his laps in to learn how to be a top notch swimmer! He was born on May 24 to a pygmy hippo named Holly. While this little guy doesn't have a name yet, he is making a splash at the Greensboro Science Center already!

Pygmy hippos are currently facing extinction, according to the IUCN Red List. One of the main reasons for the decline in pygmy hippo populations is habitat loss and degradation. The destruction of its natural habitat due to deforestation, logging, and human encroachment has drastically reduced the available range for these animals. As forests are cleared for agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure development, the pygmy hippos are losing their critical habitats, including the freshwater sources they rely on for survival.

Illegal hunting and poaching further exacerbate the threats faced by the Pygmy Hippo. Despite legal protections in place, the demand for its meat remains a concern, and in some areas, the Pygmy Hippo is hunted for its meat, which is considered a delicacy.

The Greensboro Science Center participates in Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to build a sustainable captive population of endangered species for conservation and genetic diversity. Holly and her mate, Ralph are a part of this program, and now, the little baby hippo will be, too!

We are glad to see this young hippo is doing well so soon after his birth and already learning how to be a hippo. He will be an excellent swimmer in no time!

2023-06-05T14:00:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd