Toronto Zoo’s pregnant Pygmy hippo Kindia ‘doing well,’ on track to give birth in late July

Kindia, a 20-year-old Pygmy hippo at The Toronto Zoo, is set to give birth to her second calf in July. (The Toronto Zoo/photo)

In a bit of Mother’s Day news, the Toronto Zoo has provided an update on its pregnant Pygmy hippo Kindia, who is set to give birth to her second calf in late July.

“We’re now over the halfway point of Kindia’s pregnancy. If all goes well, we will welcome a calf sometime in late July,” the Toronto Zoo said in a written statement.

“At this time, we do not know the sex of her expected calf,” which the Toronto Zoo previously said is expected to weigh 10 to 14 pounds at birth.

Kindia ‘doing well’

The zoo reported that on Sunday its team did an ultrasound behind-the-scenes in the African Rainforest Pavilion, sharing that the 20-year-old hippopotamus is “doing well” and is “very willing to participate in her cooperative care.”

The zoo noted that cooperative care is an “essential part of modern animal well-being’ there.

Through positive reinforcement training, animals voluntarily participate in their own healthcare procedures, such as weight checks, blood draws, ultrasounds, and physical examinations” it said.

“This approach helps reduce stress for the animals in our care, strengthens the trust between animals and their care teams, and allows veterinary staff to monitor their health more effectively and safely.”

The Toronto Zoo went on to say that this kind of care is how they are “are actively supporting both the physical and psychological well-being of Kindia and the 3,000+ animals in our care, while advancing best practices in accredited zoological care.”

Hippo had her first calf in 2018

In 2018, she gave birth to Penelope, who is now at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The father of Kindia’s baby is a 31-year-year hippo named Harvey.

The two were introduced back in January as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Pygmy Hippo Species Survival Plan, which works to manage the population of the animal in human care and ensure they are paired on genetics, health and long-term sustainability.

Pygmy hippos are endangered

Pygmy hippos are native to the forests and swamps of West Africa and are considered endangered, with fewer than 3,000 that remain in the wild.

As Kindia’s due date approaches, the zoo is inviting people to “adopt” her through its dedicated fundraising partner.

“Your support helps the Zoo care for animals, offer educational experiences, and protect wildlife through vital conservation programs,” it said.

“By adopting Kindia, you’re helping to support her as she begins welcoming her new arrival.”

The Toronto Zoo shared the “hippo-tastic” news of Kindia’s pregnancy last month, saying that it “comes with both hope and caution.”

“Our dedicated Wildlife Care and Health teams are closely monitoring her through behavioural observations and ultrasounds, and are ready to support her every step of the way,” the zoo said at that time.

With files from CP24’s Bryann Aguilar