Hippo Calf Becomes New Attraction at Zoo Taiping
Did you know that Zoo Taiping is the oldest zoo in Malaysia? It opened a few years after independence on March 7, 1964. Zoo Taiping houses over 1,300 animals across an area exceeding 30 acres. Besides being the first zoo in Malaysia, it is also the pioneer of the Night Safari in the country.
Zoo Taiping and Night Safari have welcomed a new member, a hippo calf born on December 12, 2016. The calf was born weighing approximately 40 to 50 kilograms. It was born to its mother, Lek, and is the result of the "partnership" with its father, April, both of whom are about 20 years old. Lek originated from a zoo in Thailand, while April is a "native son" born in Perak at Zoo Taiping. The lifespan of an adult hippo is 40 to 50 years.
Every hippo calf born will stay with its mother for 2 years and 6 months, while the weaning period occurs between 10 months to 1 year of age. Therefore, the maturity period for a hippo is between 4 to 5 years. Word has it that there will be a naming program held for the newborn hippo calf soon. Let's wait and see! Adios!!!
