Pygmy hippopotamus

Pygmy hippo: Not only cute, but extremely important

The birth of a male pygmy hippopotamus at Athens' Attica Zoological Park on feb. 19 was viewed as an important development for the survival of its species. The hippo belongs to one of the rarest and most endangered species. It is estimated that only 2,000 - 2,500 live in the wild and more specifically in the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

It’s a boy! Athens zoo welcomes birth of rare pygmy hippo

A rare and endangered pygmy hippopotamus has been born in Athens' Attica Zoological Park for the first time in 10 years, delighting conservationists.

A lack of male pygmy hippos in captivity had complicated breeding efforts, so zoo staff were "absolutely thrilled" the baby was a boy, Noi Psaroudaki, the zoo's wildlife veterinarian, told Reuters.