GREENSBORO, N.C. — Holly the hippo is pregnant and is expecting her first hippo calf this year!
Revolution Ridge, the Greensboro Science Center's (GSC) largest expansion to-date, opened in June 2021.
The 12-acre, 10-exhibit expansion was designed to be a breeding center for unique and endangered wildlife from all over the world. The signature pygmy hippo exhibit was specifically designed to mimic key features of their wild habitat, including:
- three deep wading pools
- a waterfall
- a shallow river
- a sandy beach
- a mud wallow
- both sun and shade areas
- a temperature controlled indoor pool
- safe areas for bedding and birthing
After less than two years in Greensboro housed with her mate Ralph the hippo, ultrasound shows that Holly is pregnant and expecting an active and healthy hippo calf. She is due between March 15 and May 1 of this year.
"While the GSC team is clearly very excited, we have to be cognizant that Holly is a first-time mom and successful reproduction in a wide array of species comes with many challenges," CEO Glenn Dobrogosz said. "Survival rates can vary with age, experience, genetics and unknown health conditions. So far, the health and activity of level of the calf in utero looks positive."
Pygmy hippos are listed as an endangered species and can only be found in four West African countries. Their demise in the wild is directly linked to habitat loss, river pollution and being hunted for local food sources.
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