Meet Poppy: The Adorable Pygmy Hippo Now Calling Metro Richmond Zoo Home

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The Metro Richmond Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of Poppy, a pygmy hippo, who is now on view for visitors to enjoy. This adorable creature is sure to capture the hearts of everyone who meets her, and we can't wait for you to come and say hello.
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Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa and are one of the smallest species of hippopotamus, with adults typically weighing between 400-600 pounds. Despite their small size, they are still members of the hippopotamus family and share many of the same characteristics, including their distinctive barrel-shaped bodies and short, stumpy legs. Poppy, our new pygmy hippo, is a great example of these unique features, and we're excited for visitors to see her up close.

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About Poppy

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Poppy is a young pygmy hippo who was born in 2020. She is still getting used to her new surroundings, but she is already showing off her playful and curious personality. Visitors can expect to see Poppy swimming and playing in her enclosure, as well as lounging in the sun and enjoying the attention from her caretakers. Poppy loves to eat a variety of foods, including lettuce, apples, and sweet potatoes, and she is particularly fond of treats like carrots and berries.
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One of the most interesting things about pygmy hippos is their unique skin, which is almost completely hairless. This helps them to stay cool in the warm waters of their native habitat, and it also makes them look particularly cute and endearing. Poppy's skin is a lovely shade of brown, and it's sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

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Conservation Efforts

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Pygmy hippos are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, due to habitat loss and hunting in their native West Africa. The Metro Richmond Zoo is committed to supporting conservation efforts for this species, and we are proud to be a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for pygmy hippos. This program helps to manage the breeding of pygmy hippos in zoos, with the goal of increasing the population and eventually releasing animals back into the wild.

By visiting the Metro Richmond Zoo and seeing Poppy up close, you will be supporting our conservation efforts and helping to make a difference for this amazing species. We hope you will join us in welcoming Poppy to her new home and in learning more about the importance of conservation for pygmy hippos and other endangered animals.

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Plan Your Visit

The Metro Richmond Zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. We offer a variety of exhibits and activities, including a petting zoo, a playground, and a zip line, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check our website for special events and promotions, and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates from the zoo.

We can't wait for you to meet Poppy and experience all that the Metro Richmond Zoo has to offer. Come and visit us today, and help us to support the conservation of this amazing species!

Address: Metro Richmond Zoo, 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd, Moseley, VA 23120 Phone: (804) 739-5666 Email: [info@metrorichmondzoo.com](mailto:info@metrorichmondzoo.com) Website: metrorichmondzoo.com Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube