Overview

• The European Endangered Species Breeding Program advises relocating pygmy hippos near their first birthday to optimize breeding success and maintain genetic diversity.
• Pygmy hippos are critically endangered, with fewer than 2,500 adults remaining in the wild, underscoring the conservation importance of Toni’s transfer.
• Staff affectionately refer to Toni as their “sweet heartbreaker” and will host a special ceremony to celebrate her first year and bid her farewell.
• Zoo officials have not disclosed which European institution will receive Toni after she departs in late August.
• Since her June 2024 birth at just 3.5 kilograms, Toni has grown to over 100 kilograms and become a social media sensation with videos drawing up to a million viewers.