Mini-Hippo - A small hippopotamus in the Berlin Zoo is limping - Prognosis good
A roughly one-month-old dwarf hippopotamus at the Berlin Zoo is lame. A tear in the right hind paddle causes difficulty for the offspring born on June 3rd, according to a statement from the zoo after an examination in the in-house veterinary clinic. The mini-hippo has been prescribed as little movement as possible. Zoo director Andreas Knieriem, who is also a veterinarian, said in the statement: "The cause of the injury is not known. The hippo mother Debbie might have accidentally stepped on the youngster."
Fortunately, the bones in young animals' bodies at this age are still very soft and grow quickly. "The prognosis for a complete healing is therefore very good," said Knieriem. It is expected that the fracture will heal on its own. "Mother and offspring are completely relaxed, the offspring continues to drink regularly, and we are doing well," the statement reads. It will be checked again in four weeks.
The mini-hippo girl is still staying with her mother in the backward part of the enclosure - away from the public. It will be visible to zoo visitors during the summer holidays.
The little dwarf hippopotamus still doesn't have a name - but already has many fans on several continents: The zoo had called for name suggestions on social media. There were more than 20,000 proposals from all over the world. Among them were Hilde, Rosa, Else and Daisy, but also more creative suggestions like Goldie, Snuffle, Görli or Boulettchen. The selection of the five most suitable names, which will then be presented to a jury, will take some time, it was stated.
The natural habitat of dwarf hippos is in the rainforests of West Africa. There are currently only fewer than 2500 adult specimens - a decreasing trend.
The lame dwarf hippopotamus is a Water Buffalo'ssize, natively from West Africa's rainforests. Despite its injuries, it has gained a significant fanbase in Germany and beyond, with suggestions for a name pouring in from around the world. The Berlin Zoo Director, also a veterinarian named Andreas Knieriem, expressed optimism about the prognosis, citing the young animal's soft bones and rapid growth. Despite being confined to a secluded area of the enclosure, the dwarf hippo and its mother, Debbie, remain calm and the young one continues to drink regularly. The Zoo Director revealed that they will closely monitor the progression of the injury over the next four weeks, hoping for a full recovery. The dwarf hippo's lucky break in this situation is the fact that it's still in its growth stage, increasing the chances of a swift and complete healing.
