New arrival at Colchester Zoo (From Gazette)

New arrival at Colchester Zoo

10:25am Friday 21st September 2012 in News

A PYGMY hippo has been born at Colchester Zoo.

Parents Venus and Freddy welcomed the baby girl on Thursday, September 6, and “thrilled” staff allowed the youngster several days of peace and quiet to allow her to settle in.

A name has not yet been chosen for the new arrival.

Sarah Forsyth, curator, said, “The baby is fit and healthy and Venus is being very attentive, proving to be an excellent mother”.

It is the second time the hippos have successfully mated.

In December 2009 Venus welcomed baby Ayo, but she died shortly before her first birthday after suffering a blocked colon.

Zoo bosses are hoping the new baby is more successful. Venus was just one year old when she arrived at Colchester Zoo in 2002.

She lives separately from Freddy, who arrived in 2001, because they are not usually social animals and generally live alone, only coming together to mate.