Hippo hooray: Michigan zoo welcomes its tiniest big arrival

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Michigan zoo has announced the birth of its pygmy hippo calf.

John Ball Zoo announced on Facebook that first-time parents Penelope and Jahari welcomed their 11-pound baby on Sept. 3.

This is the first pygmy hippo born at the West Michigan zoo.

The name of the newborn has not yet been announced.

According to the John Ball Zoo, pygmy hippos are an endangered species, with fewer than 2,500 estimated to be in the wild.

“Our animal care team is keeping a close eye on mom and baby as they bond behind the scenes, and both are doing well,” the zoo said on Facebook Thursday.