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2mo ago

Berlin Zoo Reports Rare Hippo Twin Birth as Underweight Calf Is Monitored

Keepers are limiting access to support feeding, weight gain, early bonding.

Image
Tragische Zwillingsgeburt bei den Flusspferden im Berliner Zoo
Flusspferd-Dame Nala (13) erwartete ihren ersten Nachwuchs – und dann gleich Zwillinge.
Eine Flusspferddame im Berliner Zoo hat Zwillinge zur Welt gebracht. Eines der Babys starb allerdings direkt nach der Geburt am 28. September, wie der Zoo in der Hauptstadt mitteilte. Das zweite Junge kämpfe sich nun ins Leben, hieß es.

Overview

  • Nala, a 13-year-old hippopotamus at Zoo Berlin, gave birth to twin males on September 28, with one calf dying shortly after birth.
  • The surviving newborn weighs about 28 kilograms, well below the roughly 40 kilograms typical for hippo calves at birth.
  • This is Nala’s first offspring, and she has separated from the group as is standard for the species in the early weeks.
  • The zoo shared first images and a limited public introduction on Tuesday, with broader viewing deferred until the calf is stronger and can safely join other hippos.
  • Zoo officials note twin hippo births occur in about one percent of recorded cases and emphasize ongoing monitoring as the species faces habitat pressures in the wild.