The Houston Zoo proudly introduces Akobi, the latest addition to its family and the newest pygmy hippopotamus, just as the species enjoys a remarkable revival in global interest and admiration.
This surge in popularity can be largely attributed to Moo Deng, an adorable baby pygmy hippo born at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand, during this summer. Moo Deng captured hearts and attention on the internet, becoming a viral sensation through delightful videos showcasing his playful antics and amusing interactions with a spraying hose. His charm extended even to mainstream media, where he was humorously parodied on Saturday Night Live, portrayed by comedian Bowen Yang, further cementing the species’ charm in popular culture.
Aged four-and-a-half years and weighing 477 pounds, Akobi recently made the journey from San Francisco to Houston as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program. His name, which translates to “first born” in Yoruba, reflects his importance within the breeding program. His arrival is certainly a win for Texas, which welcomes this delightful California transplant.
As their name indicates, pygmy hippos are significantly smaller than their well-known relatives. While common hippos can reach weights of up to 4,000 pounds and are notorious for their aggressive territorial behavior, the more docile pygmy hippos rarely exceed 500 pounds, making them an appealing attraction for zoo-goers of all ages.
The arrival of Akobi coincides with exciting advancements within the Houston Zoo, which is currently undergoing notable expansion. Recently, the 55-acre zoological garden unveiled its impressive Birds of the World exhibit, showcasing a diverse array of bird species from three different continents. Moreover, the zoo celebrated success with a multitude of industry awards for its innovative Galapagos Island area, which introduced lively penguins along with various other species, all as part of the Houston Zoo’s grand centennial festivities.
Visitors to the Houston Zoo should take cues from the difficulties faced by Moo Deng in the past. Thanks to the actions of some who visited his enclosure—spraying water and tossing items—enhanced security measures became necessary to ensure the little hippo’s safety. Therefore, it is essential for all guests to treat Akobi and all other zoo animals respectfully, ensuring both their wellbeing and that of the zoo’s visitors.
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Wildlife Biologist at the Houston Zoo**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. The Houston Zoo has just welcomed a new addition to the family, Akobi the pygmy hippo. Can you tell us a bit about him?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely! Akobi is a 4 1/2-year-old pygmy hippopotamus who relocated to us from the San Diego Zoo. He’s settling in quite well and is already becoming quite the attraction here. Pygmy hippos are smaller than their common relatives, but they are just as charming. We’re thrilled to have him as part of our zoo family.
**Interviewer:** It seems like this is a great time to introduce Akobi, especially with the recent surge in popularity of pygmy hippos thanks to Moo Deng. How has that influenced visitors’ interest in Akobi?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s been incredible! Moo Deng’s viral popularity really brought pygmy hippos into the spotlight, and it’s fantastic to see that kind of positive attention on this amazing species. People are more curious and excited than ever to learn about pygmy hippos, and we are seeing increased interest in conservation efforts as well. Akobi is not only a star in his own right, but he also represents the importance of protecting his species.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned conservation efforts. What role do zoos like Houston play in the conservation of pygmy hippos?
**Dr. Carter:** Zoos serve as crucial sanctuaries where we can provide care for endangered species and engage in breeding programs. We also educate the public about conservation and the challenges these animals face in the wild, like habitat loss and poaching. Through interactive exhibits and programs, we hope to inspire more people to participate in conservation efforts.
**Interviewer:** That’s fantastic! With Akobi’s arrival, do you have any special events planned to celebrate and educate the public about pygmy hippos?
**Dr. Carter:** Yes, we are planning a welcome event for Akobi that will feature educational talks, feeding sessions, and opportunities for guests to learn about pygmy hippo habitats and what we can all do to help. We hope to create an engaging experience that not only entertains but informs our visitors about these incredible animals.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like it will be a real treat for visitors! Lastly, what can we hope to see in the future for Akobi and the Houston Zoo?
**Dr. Carter:** We hope to see Akobi thrive in his new environment and eventually contribute to our breeding program. Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness about pygmy hippos and their conservation needs while providing a safe haven for them in captivity. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to seeing Akobi grow and make a lasting impact on our community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Carter. We look forward to seeing Akobi and learning more about pygmy hippos at the Houston Zoo!
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! We can’t wait to share Akobi with everyone!
