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Berlin Zoo Names Hippo Calf ‘Willi Wackelöhrchen’ After Public Contest

A public contest drew over 20,000 entries, with the winning name highlighting the calf’s ear‑rotating trait.

Overview

  • The male calf’s name was selected from more than 20,000 suggestions submitted in recent weeks.
  • Contest rules required an alliterative name that referenced a characteristic hippo feature.
  • Zoo director Andreas Knieriem said the strong response showed broad enthusiasm for the animals.
  • Knieriem noted the name reflects how hippos rotate their small ears after surfacing to expel water.
  • A jury chose the winner from creative suggestions such as Paul Plansch, Bobby Boulette and Kalle Kullerauge.