Berlin, Germany – June 3rd 2026
Zoo Berlin has officially named its newest addition, a female pygmy hippopotamus born on May 9, 2026. The calf, now affectionately called Mimi, was introduced to the public via the zoo’s official X account (@zooberlin) today.
The zoo shared the exciting news directly on X with the following post: @zooberlin “Name reveal! Unsere kleine Zwergflusspferd-Prinzessin hat jetzt einen Namen: Mimi! Geboren am 9. Mai mit 5,9 kg, mittlerweile schon 7,1 kg stark. Mama Debbie ist die beste und kümmert sich rührend um ihre Tochter – genau wie bei Superstar Toni damals. Mimi liebt Kuschelzeit und wird in den nächsten Wochen weiter wachsen. Bald könnt ihr sie in der Hippo Bay bestaunen! Danke für eure vielen Namensvorschläge – Mimi passt einfach perfekt zu ihrem süßen Charme.
#MimiTheHippo #ZooBerlin #Zwergflusspferd”
About Zoo Berlin and Its Proud Legacy
Founded in 1844, Zoo Berlin is one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the world. Located in the heart of the German capital, it houses over 20,000 animals from more than 1,000 species and is famous for its pioneering breeding successes. The zoo achieved Europe’s first pygmy hippo birth in 1921 and has maintained a strong track record with the species ever since. Its modern Hippo Bay (Hippobucht) enclosure features excellent underwater viewing, allowing visitors to watch these elusive animals swim and play.
Meet Mom Debbie – An Experienced Hippo Super-MomThe proud mother is Debbie, a proven and highly attentive pygmy hippo dam. Before welcoming this latest calf, Debbie successfully raised the internationally beloved Toni, born in June 2024. Toni became a global sensation with her playful videos, drew massive crowds, and was later transferred to Mulhouse Zoo in France as part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Debbie had also raised three earlier calves between 2004 and 2008, demonstrating her exceptional maternal skills.
Why This Birth Is Huge for Conservation
Pygmy hippos (Choeropsis liberiensis) are critically endangered, with fewer than 2,500 adult individuals remaining in the wild across the rainforests of West Africa (mainly Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau). Habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation have pushed the species to the brink. Each successful zoo birth represents a vital contribution to the global breeding program, helping maintain genetic diversity and raising public awareness.
Zoo Berlin’s consistent success with pygmy hippos underscores its leadership in conservation breeding. This new calf not only strengthens the captive population but also continues the zoo’s tradition of turning rare animals into ambassadors for their wild counterparts — much like Toni did before her. The arrival has already sparked renewed international excitement and comparisons to viral stars like Moo Deng.
The name “Mimi” was chosen to capture the calf’s tiny, endearing size and playful personality, evoking sweetness and charm that has quickly won over fans.
