A baby hippo, born nearly 2 months ago at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, finally has a name!
Tony currently weighs 170 pounds, the San Diego Zoo announced on Twitter Thursday.
He is the 12th calf born to mother Funani on Sept. 22.
According to the San Diego Zoo Global website, Tony is growing at a rapid pace, gaining about 80 pounds a month. He is expected to eventually outweigh his mother by approximately 2,000 pounds.
"Tony is a fearless and adventurous calf," said Jennifer Chapman, senior keeper.
Tony is a river hippopotamus--a species currently listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
River Hippopotamus are poached for their large canines, which are the same material as elephant tusks, according to the San Diego Zoo Global.
A river hippopotamus born three weeks ago at the San
Diego Zoo Safari Park is a male, park officials said today.
The unnamed calf is the 12th born to mother Funani. Keepers said the
calf, born Sept. 22, seems more adventurous and precocious than his older
siblings.
``It's so great to have the opportunity to watch Funani raise another
calf,'' said Jennifer Chapman, senior keeper.
``This boy is fearless, and we're really excited to see him grow into
his big personality,'' Chapman said. ``The not-so-little male calf never misses
a meal and has been seen nursing several times a day.''
Keepers estimate the youngster now weighs between 80 and 100 pounds.
He and his mother are on exhibit Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends -- though
schedules are subject to change.
The river hippopotamus is listed as vulnerable on the International
Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. According to
the Safari Park, numbers are rapidly decreasing due to poaching for their tusk-
like teeth, which are substitutes for banned elephant ivory.
Tony and his mother are on exhibit Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends at the Lost Forest exhibit, although schedules are subject to change.
