A rare pygmy hippopotamus calf – the first born at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in four years – has died unexpectedly.
The youngster was only born a month ago, but the zoo in a statement confirmed she was found unresponsive on Christmas Eve, and could not be revived.
“The ‘little watermelon on legs’ as she was affectionately known, was born in late November and in a relatively short time captured the hearts of guests and keepers alike,” the statement said.
“She was a much-loved member of the Taronga family and her passing is understandably heartbreaking for all those who knew and cared for her.”
Preliminary investigations indicate a potential problem with the calf’s heart, but further investigations are underway to confirm the cause of death.