Taronga Western Plains Zoo celebrated a special milestone on Friday as Kibibi the hippo calf turned 1!

Kibibi meaning ‘little lady’ in Swahili was born to mother Cuddles and Father Mana in the early hours of September 11th 2014. Kibibi’s birth was very significant, as this is the first calf for Cuddles and Mana, creating a new genetic bloodline.

Visitors can often see Kibibi enjoying a hose off. “She will open her mouth wide and catch the water. They love the cool sensation,” said Keeper Carolene Magner.

 “We are performing some conditioning and tactile work with her now, to reinforce our rapport with her,” said Carolene.

When keepers are interacting with Kibibi visitors might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her front teeth that have starting developing.

Now that Kibibi is 12 months old, keepers are noticing more of her individual personality. “She is becoming more independent, sometimes we will see her on the total opposite side of the exhibit to mother Cuddles, this means she is developing more and more confidence which is great for a calf her age,” said Carolene.

 Visitors can see Kibibi, her Mother Cuddles and the other hippos during the daily Hippo Keeper Talk and Feed at 11:20am. A great activity for the school holidays just around the corner.

 Taronga Western Plains Zoo is located in Central Western NSW and is open every day from 9am – 4pm. For more information visit www.taronga.org.au or 6881 1400.