Tampa, FL – March 11, 2026 – ZooTampa at Lowry Park has shared exciting news with wildlife lovers around the world. The Zoo Tampa has welcomed a newborn pygmy hippopotamus calf named Momo, born late this evening in a carefully monitored environment.
The baby hippo is a healthy female weighing around 10 pounds. She was born under the close supervision of the zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams. Her mother, Ruka, a pygmy hippo that previously gained global attention as a viral calf, successfully delivered the baby after a seven-month pregnancy. According to zoo officials, both Ruka and her calf are doing very well.
Keepers report that Momo has already begun nursing and showing signs of curiosity and playful energy, behaviors commonly seen in young pygmy hippos.
Important News for Wildlife Conservation
The birth of Momo is especially significant because the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.
Experts estimate that fewer than 2,500 pygmy hippos remain in the wild, mainly in parts of West Africa. Their population has declined due to several factors, including:
- Loss of natural forest habitats
- Illegal hunting and poaching
- Conflicts between humans and wildlife
Successful births in conservation-focused zoos like ZooTampa play a vital role in protecting the future of the species. Momo’s arrival also helps increase awareness about the need to preserve wildlife.
Zoo Team Celebrates the New Arrival
ZooTampa staff members are thrilled about the birth.
Dr. Elena Ramirez, Director of Animal Care and Conservation, shared her excitement about the newborn calf.
“We are incredibly happy to welcome Momo. Moments like this remind us why conservation work is so important,” she said. “She is already capturing hearts behind the scenes, and we look forward to sharing her with the public soon.”
When Visitors Can See Baby Momo
At the moment, Momo and her mother Ruka are spending time together in a private enclosure where they can bond peacefully and adjust to their new routine.
ZooTampa expects visitors will be able to see the young calf in the coming weeks. Plans are already underway for several special experiences, such as:
- “Meet Baby Momo” visitor events
- Live online updates and streams
- Educational displays highlighting conservation work in Liberia and Sierra Leone
These projects are part of ZooTampa’s ongoing international wildlife conservation efforts.
About ZooTampa
Established in 1909, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is widely known for its commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and education. The zoo houses thousands of animals across large natural-style habitats in Tampa, Florida.
Popular areas at the zoo include:
- The Manatee Critical Care Center
- Asian Gardens
- Primate World
- Other specialized habitats dedicated to endangered species
ZooTampa is actively involved in breeding and protection programs for animals such as pygmy hippos, rhinos, manatees, and other threatened wildlife.
A Bright Future for Momo
With her arrival, Momo continues the legacy of successful pygmy hippo births at the zoo. Her mother, Ruka, once charmed the world as a young calf, and now Momo is beginning her own journey as a small but powerful symbol of conservation.
Zoo officials hope visitors will be inspired to support wildlife protection through zoo visits, memberships, and conservation advocacy.
Media outlets interested in photos or video footage of baby Momo can contact the ZooTampa communications team or visit zootampa.org for updates.
The zoo plays an active role in breeding and conservation initiatives for animals such as pygmy hippos, manatees, rhinos, and other threatened species.
Continuing a Legacy
The birth of Momo adds another success story to ZooTampa’s pygmy hippo program. Her mother, Ruka, once captured worldwide attention as a calf, and Momo now continues that legacy as a new symbol of wildlife protection.
ZooTampa hopes that Momo’s story will encourage visitors to support conservation through education, memberships, and visits to the zoo.
High-resolution images and video clips of the newborn calf are available for media outlets upon request. For more information, updates, or interviews, visit zootampa.org.
