Hippo birth gives Mexican zoo reason to cheer

Zoo administrators and personnel celebrated the baby hippos birth last on Saturday (June 9) but it wasnt until Thursday that zookeepers were able to show visitors the 30-plus kilogram (66-plus pound) healthy hippopotamus.Zacango Zoo co-ordinator Aroldo Pena Valladares said the mammal was in good and healthy condition.The baby hippo approximately weights between 35 and 40 kilos. It is a small animal in comparison to its mother which weights between 2500 and 3000 kilos, nonetheless, if we look at the animals physical form, based on our experience with other animals and the birth of other hippopotamus that we have had here at the zoo, it is in pretty good condition, said Pena Valladares.Counting the newest addition, a dozen hippos have been born at the acclaimed animal park in the State of Mexico since 1990.Today, it houses year-round just four of the mammals, three males and one female. The zoo has given or exchanged the large animals to other parks around the world to avoid a hippo overpopulation within the zoos enclosures.Pena Valladares said he was pleased at the progress of both the baby and mama hippos.Fortunately, the baby animal is in great health. Both the mother and the baby are fine, they are very healthy. The mother is getting fed alfalfa and a special compound for hippopotami in captivity. The truth is that weve got a good result. We see the little hippo healthy and strong. We are very happy about it. Its been quite an achievement, he said.Despite the park sitting nearly 2,700 metres (8850 feet) above sea level in cool temperatures, the traditionally Sub-Saharan African animals have adapted well to the local environment. Zookeepers at Zacango are surprised by its booming hippo population.The acclaimed Zacango zoo is also home to nearly 150 different varieties of vegetation, over 250 species making up 1,500 animals from around the world.An online contest is being held by the zoo to help name the new baby hippopotamus.