The hippopotamus Boipelo at the Dallas Zoo recently gave birth. She was in labor for two and a half hours and gave birth underwater, which is typical for hippos.
Boipelo was closely monitored leading up to her labor which went smoothly and was without complication. She gave birth on Sunday, October 30, at around 5:30 pm. The team of monitors allowed her to deliver in private but kept an eye on her via cameras. The Dallas Zoo posted a video of the birth on its Twitter account.
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a much-anticipated baby hippopotamus to your Dallas Zoo family! Boipelo gave birth to a healthy hippo calf on Sunday, Oct. 30 around 5:30 p.m. Both are doing well and have been bonding behind the scenes. More updates to come on social! pic.twitter.com/fnuQ1mjunK
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) November 7, 2022
Hippos, which happen to be one of the deadliest mammals on the planet, go into isolation prior to giving birth. The mother does this in an effort to protect herself and her calf from predators, as this is a very vulnerable time for both of them.
A hippo’s gestation period is almost as long as a human’s, lasting an average of 243 days or around eight months. Hippos mate every two years, but the males will mate with multiple females during the mating period.
The baby forms a very strong bond with the mother, which will not break until it reaches sexual maturity and leaves its mother to mate. This occurs when the hippo is around seven or eight years old.
Though a baby, the hippo is estimated to be between 50-60 pounds. Some newborns can be up to 100 pounds when they are born and will continue to grow until they are 25 years old.
Full-grown male hippos can weigh anywhere from 3,000 to 9,000 pounds, while females typically weigh approximately 3,000 pounds.
Visitors can see the baby hippo in a few weeks when it makes its appearance in the habitat. Mother hippos usually continue their isolation after birth for about 10-14 days. After this period, it is clear that the baby has imprinted on the mother and recognizes her as its mother, and the mother and calf can return to the group.
CBS DFW reported that mom and baby are doing well and have been bonding behind the scenes, while dad Gus and half-sister Adanna have been spending time in the habitat.
