The newest addition to the Toronto Zoo, a baby pygmy hippopotamus, has been officially named. The three-week-old female calf has been christened Maple, as revealed in a recent press release. Described as sweet, spirited, and sassy, the zoo shared that Maple is Canada’s sole pygmy hippo calf, with her parents Kindia and Harvey being the only other pygmy hippos in the country.
Maple’s name was chosen to signify her Canadian roots, with the zoo emphasizing her importance as a symbol of national pride. To mark the occasion, the Toronto Zoo has introduced a special limited-edition pygmy plush toy featuring Maple’s name embroidered on it.
While Maple is currently not on public display, the zoo reports that she has been bonding with her mother and is exclusively nursing, weighing 10.8 kilograms. Displaying a growing personality, Maple is described as increasingly curious and adventurous, exploring the water and practicing her breath holds.
Despite her playful nature, the significance of pygmy hippos in the wild is highlighted, with only 2,000 to 3,000 estimated to remain according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The naming of Maple follows the recent birthday celebration of Moo Deng, a social media sensation at a Thai zoo, showcasing the global interest in these adorable creatures.