Ellen is third generation of endangered species to be born at the zoo
A zoo which is part of an international conservation programme to safeguard the pygmy hippo from extinction, is celebrating a milestone today.
Pygmy hippos are an endangered species. Deforestation has threatened their natural habitat in the dense forests and lowlands of West Africa.
Edinburgh Zoo has been running a breeding programme for the animals. Ellen, the third generation of pygmy hippos to be born at the zoo, is celebrating her ninth birthday today with her three-month old daughter Adana.
She was given edible presents to mark the occassion.
Lorna Hughes, the zoo's team leader for hoofstock and primates, said: “Ellen may be small, but she has made a big impression on many visitors and staff since her birth at Edinburgh Zoo in 2005.
She has been a fantastic mum, so to be able to celebrate her ninth birthday with her daughter is very special; I am sure she will really enjoy her tasty birthday surprise with her family.”
Ellen and the zoo's male pygmy hippo, Otto, who came to the zoo in 2008, have three daughters Lieshan, Eve and Adana. As part of a cooperative breeding programme, Lieshan was moved to a zoo in Spain in 2011, while Eve left for Russia just after Christmas.
The pygmy hippos are half the size of a hippopotamus, a quarter of the weight, and love to spend most of their time in the water.
Image by Edinburgh Zoo.
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