The world is a tough place, no doubt about it. There’s plenty to rage against, plenty of sorrow to drink deep from. We’ll get to all that soon enough. But today, let’s set that aside and revel in something pure, strange, and undeniably joyful. Richmond’s got itself a new baby pygmy hippo, born just before Christmas at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
Now, I get it. A baby hippo isn’t going to solve climate change or fix the potholes on Broad Street, but this made us happy for a few minutes. And maybe a few minutes is enough right now.
Born December 9th, this little miracle came into the world in a way that feels oddly fitting for a city like Richmond. Her mom, Iris, gave birth in water, which is more of a common hippo move, not so much the pygmy way. But who cares about rules? Richmond’s new four-legged resident made her entrance in style, with a few lucky zoo visitors there to witness the moment.
At 15 pounds and nursing like a champ, this calf is growing fast, tucked away in a cozy hay-bedded enclosure where she’s bonding with her mom. Soon enough, she’ll be out in the indoor pool area, delighting gawking humans who, let’s be honest, could use a bit of uncomplicated wonder in their lives.
And if you think this is just some cute fluff, think again. Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, with fewer than 2,500 left in the wild. This little calf—and the Metro Richmond Zoo’s efforts—are part of a much bigger picture, a fight to keep these strange and beautiful creatures from vanishing altogether.
But before this baby goes on to save her species, she needs a name. That’s where you come in. The zoo is running a naming poll until December 31st, and your options are:
- Poppy: Floral, sweet, and a nod to Iris, her mom
- Juniper: Evergreen, wintery, a bit on the nose
- Hammie Mae: Southern charm with a side of smoked ham
- Omi: “Water” in Yoruba, a West African language—a connection to the hippo’s roots
VOTE HERE for your favorite and make your mark on this small but mighty moment in Richmond’s story.
