Cleopatra, a 4,000 pound Nile hippopotamus, gave birth to the 70 pound female calf on Aug. 18. Both mother and calf are in excellent condition and are now on exhibit for daily viewing.
“The baby is healthy and has a strong bond with her mother, said Tenielle Welch. Zookeepers have been watching the calf follow her mother’s every step.”
Cleopatra and the dad, Kiboko, have resided at Gulf Breeze Zoo since 2005, and have produced several healthy calves.
Hippopotamus spend their days semi-submerged in the water and spend their night hours on land grazing for food. A hippo may walk up to 5 miles from its main water source in search of food.
Baby hippos are born in the water and will nurse underwater, surfacing only every two to three minutes for air.
The Zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located just off U.S. Highway 98. Admission to the zoo is $15.95 for adults, $11.95 for children. Military, senior and group rates are available.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Zoo welcomes baby hippo