Pygmy Hippos

The barriers separating the zoo’s pygmy hippos have been removed. They were put in place to give the male a chance to mature in anticipation of breeding. Recent behavior, such as head bobbing, territorial defecating and approaching the female, seems to indicate that he’s ready, and RAJ staff are crafting an introduction plan. (The hippos are currently given access to the exhibit separately.)

Until a physical introduction is made, the pygmy hippos will have to keep themselves occupied with the enrichment provided by the keepers. Luckily, there’s a lot to choose from. The male and female rotate exhibits daily, and keepers provide them with scents to sniff and play items, such as logs and wood chimes.

The animals also receive daily operant conditioning in preparation for veterinary procedures; they’re trained to advance to a target, step onto a scale and open their mouths. The zebra tilapia sharing their enclosure provide further enrichment, as the fish nibble the hippos’ hides for debris, and the hippos occasionally chase them through the water.