Move over Moo Deng! See the new baby pygmy hippo born in Kansas
A new shiny, rotund baby pygmy hippo has entered the chat, and animal lovers are already falling in love.
A male pygmy hippopotamus – the same species as Thailand's famous Moo Deng – was born at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas on June 26. Born at just under 13 pounds, the baby has been confirmed to be healthy and alert, the park said in a news release. He's bonding with his mother and already showing early signs of confidence and playfulness.
The baby hippo, who doesn't yet have a name, was born to parents Pluto and Posie. Both arrived to Tanganyika Wildlife Park in 2014 and have had five calves together, including the latest addition.
A TikTok video posted by the wildlife park, introducing the wide-eyed hippo, had garnered more than 1.9 million views, as of July 11.
Moo Deng turns 1! See how the iconic hippo is celebrating her birthday.
What is the baby hippo's name?
Tanganyika Wildlife Park is hosting an online vote to name the new, baby hippo. To vote, visit the park's website at info.twfdn.org/baby-hippo-name. There are three names to choose from: Styx, Mars and Thor. To cast a vote, you must donate at least $25 to the park.
Voting is open through July 18 and Tanganyika Wildlife Park will announce the winning name on July 19.
Here's how to visit the baby hippo
The baby hippo will make his first public appearance at the park later this summer, Tanganyika Wildlife Park said in a news release.
The park will also offer a pygmy hippo meet and greet experience during its open season, which is March through November.
Why are pygmy hippos so popular?
Pygmy hippos gained popularity on social media last summer with the birth of Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. Countless photos and videos of the chubby hippo eating lunch, running after zookeepers and cuddling with her momma garnered millions of views online.
The viral hippo celebrated her first birthday on Thursday, July 10 with a hefty tropical fruit platter.
Pygmy hippos were deemed endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2016. Less than 3,000 remain in the wild and less than 450 are managed in professional zoological care, Tanganyika Wildlife Park said in a news release.
The species faces threads from habitat destruction, bushmeat (wild animal meat) hunting, and the mining of coltan, a mineral commonly used in smartphones and laptops, Tanganyika Wildlife Park continued.
"This baby is adorable, but he's also an ambassador for a species that needs our attention," said Daniel Neale, Tanganyika Wildlife Park marketing manager said in a news release. "Protecting wildlife starts with caring about it."
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
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