Staffers at the Los Angeles Zoo recently got quite a surprise when a hippopotamus gave birth. The mamma hippo named Mara was on birth control when she became pregnant but she is now caring for an adorable, healthy calf.
Staffers at the Los Angeles Zoo recently got quite a surprise when a hippopotamus gave birth. The mamma hippo named Mara was on birth control when she became pregnant but she is now caring for an adorable, healthy calf.
The mother started showing signs of labor on Friday while she was in her pool. Zoo keepers and veterinary staff stayed close to her for the entire process.
When it came time to give birth, Mara moved onto dry land. Employees and even some guests witnessed the baby being born. The little calf is already exploring the world and bonding with Mara.
Employees hope to determine the gender of the calf, once they can separate it from Mara.
Now visitors have the chance to view the entire hippo family; mom, dad and baby, all together in the same enclosure. Mara is 10 years old. She was bought to the Los Angeles Zoo in late last year and instantly bonded with a 3-year-old male hippopotamus.
That connection led to Mara’s pregnancy. Although staffers noticed the weight gain and suspected she might be expecting, there was no way to determine if she actually was pregnant.
