L.A. Zoo’s Hippopotamus Mara Gives Birth

Mara’s labor began in the comfort of her outdoor pool, and it is common for calves in the wild to be born in the water and stay in the water for up to two weeks before emerging. However, in this particular situation, Mara chose to leave her pool and have her baby on dry land. Zoo animal care staff and veterinarians were close by to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of Mara and her calf. Both mother and baby are doing well and had the weekend to bond. Zoo animal care staff hopes to determine the sex of the baby when they can get a close enough look at the calf or when they are able to separate the baby and mother for the calf’s first check-up. Mother, father, and baby can all be seen on exhibit daily.