A rare and endangered pygmy hippo was born in Athens' Attica Zoological Park for the first time in 10 years, which pleased conservationists. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN .
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The absence of male dwarf hippos in captivity made breeding difficult, so the zoo staff was "completely delighted" when the cub turned out to be a boy.
Zoo veterinarian Noah Psarudaki said that dwarf hippos, which are endangered species, are extremely important because hopefully one day they will reproduce.
Pygmy hippos are native to swamps and rainforests in West Africa. They are listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and it is estimated that only about 2000-2500 still live in the wild.
The 7 kg male, whose name will be determined during the voting, was born on February 19 and joins his parents Lizzie and Jamal as the only dwarf hippos in the zoo.
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The hippo, lonely and nocturnal by nature, will stay with its mother for a couple of months until it moves out into the enclosure.