We’re delighted to share that Taronga Western Plains Zoo have welcomed the safe arrival of a male Hippo calf, born in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday 15 April 2020, the third offspring for mum, Cuddles and dad, Mana. 

Keepers were monitoring Cuddles closely in the latter stages of her pregnancy in anticipation of the impending birth.

“Cuddles started to show signs that the calf may come early, so it was certainly a wonderful moment to see the calf beside mum two weeks prior to her due date,” said Hippopotamus Keeper Carolene Magner.

Check out this special Taronga TV sneak Peak, just for Zoo Friends, with keeper cam footage of the calf’s early days!

The bub was born in the shallow water of the Zoo’s Hippo Lake. Female Hippos will often select shallow water to give birth as a calf can only hold its breath for approximately 30 seconds at birth.

“The calf is doing really well and staying close by mum’s side, both in and out of the water,” said Carolene.

“Cuddles is a very nurturing mother and is very protective yet also very calm. She is an experienced mother and is bonding well with her calf.”
Hippos nurse their young underwater. Cuddles and her calf have been spending most of their days in the shallow waters of Hippo Lake and are currently bonding away from the other Hippos." 

“The calf has been coming out of the water with Cuddles occasionally and is getting steadier on his feet whilst on land, as they do spend most of their time resting in the water,” said Carolene.

Over the coming weeks the calf will start to mouth at hay and grass like its mother and be more active in the water. He will also become more curious about his environment. 

The Hippo calf is yet to be named, but keep an eye out for your chance to help name the new arrival!

To see more of this not so little calf, head across to our Taronga TV homepage!