Khon kaen: Little one is here to say hello to the newest member of the family! A baby pygmy hippopotamus at Khon Kaen Zoo. The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand welcomes a new member! A baby pygmy hippopotamus! Join the gender guessing game to celebrate Songkran!
According to Thai News Agency, the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the Royal Patronage has announced a success in the conservation of rare wildlife. Khon Kaen Zoo, a subsidiary, has successfully bred a pygmy hippopotamus, resulting in the birth of a new member on the morning of April 5, 2026. The baby hippopotamus weighs 5.76 kilograms at birth, is healthy, and is under the close care of the veterinary team and animal caretakers.
Ms. Tipawadee Kittikun, director of Khon Kaen Zoo, revealed that the pygmy hippopotamus calf was born to a 16-year-old male named "Nadech," who was obtained from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, and a 22-year-old female named "Yaya," from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. The two began mating on September 20, 2025, and the gestation period is approximately 180-210 days.
Currently, Khon Kaen Zoo has a total of six pygmy hippopotamuses. The newborn cub is the sixth member of the family, and its sex cannot yet be determined. This baby pygmy hippopotamus is also related to a well-known hippo family, being a sibling of "Moo Duang," a popular pygmy hippo, and a grandchild of "Moo Deng" from Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which is also popular with people nationwide.
This achievement reflects the potential of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand in conserving and breeding rare wild animals, especially the pygmy hippopotamus, which is classified as an endangered species. The birth of this hippopotamus demonstrates the organization's readiness in providing animal health care, creating a suitable environment, and operating according to international animal welfare standards (Five Domains). The veterinary team and animal caretakers closely monitored the mother and offspring before and after birth to ensure the highest level of safety for both mother and child.
On this occasion, Khon Kaen Zoo invites tourists to participate in the "Guess the Gender of the Pygmy Hippopotamus Baby" activity, with the official announcement of the results on April 15, 2026, which coincides with the birthday of "Moo Duang" (the zoo's mascot). There will be fun activities for tourists during the Songkran festival.
We invite all tourists and children to come and see the adorable pygmy hippopotamus calves every day. For more information, please contact the Revenue, Business and Information Department at 08-6459-4192, Khon Kaen Zoo, any day including public holidays. You can also find more information on our social media channels: www.facebook.com/??????????????? and our website: www.khonkaenzoo.com