Hip, Hooray for Holly Berry's First Birthday!
Last year we had the opportunity to welcome and sponsor the naming campaign for ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s newest baby girl— a rare Pygmy Hippopotamous! This year, we were thrilled to join the Zoo and Tampa community in celebrating Holly Berry (the winning name!) and her 1st birthday!
Members of The Hyppo assisted the Zoo’s commissary team to create a special enrichment for Holly Berry! Enrichment encourages natural behaviors and exercise.Itprovides stimulation for the senses and mind, while engaginganimals socially. Hippo-sized ice pops were created using fresh cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew. The Zoo’s Africa team, who provide daily care to the pygmy hippos, carefully placed the giant pops inside her habitat and along with her mom Zsa Zsa, were able to enjoy the special birthday treats! Guests were invited to celebrate the special day with Watermelon, Cantaloupe Mint, Raspberry Lemonade pops, carolers, and more!
The family that chose Holly Berry’s name were also present to partake in the festivites!
The Holly Berry the endangered pygmy hippo was born at the Zoo in the early morning on Dec. 1, 2017. With less than 40 pygmy hippos in the Species Survival Program, this newborn is a rare gift for the Tampa community. Pygmy hippos, as their name implies, are smaller than their Nile hippo relative. We at The Hyppo are overjoyed to be a part of sweet Holly Berry’s story and look forward to watching her grow. Happy Birthday Holly Berry!
