Grand Rapids’ John Ball Zoo Is Expecting a Pygmy Hippo Calf

It looks like Grand Rapids is about to welcome a new local celebrity.

John Ball Zoo announced this week that Penelope, one of their resident pygmy hippos, is expecting her very first calf.

The news comes after the zoo posted an adorable ultrasound photo earlier this week and teased the arrival of “one very big baby.”

Penelope arrived in Grand Rapids last year, moving from the Toronto Zoo to join Jahari,the male pygmy hippo who made his debut at John Ball Zoo in June 2023.

The new exhibit has quickly become a favorite with visitors. Now, with a calf on the way, it’s about to get even more exciting.

In a comment on their post about the announcement, the Zoo says they expect to welcome the little bundle of joy in mid-August, so you may be able to say hello before this season is over.

While baby hippos aren’t exactly rare in the zoo world, they’re far from common (especially pygmy hippos) which are an endangered species.

And, if the buzz over Thailand’s baby hippo Moo Deng has taught us anything, it’s that people go wild for these tiny, chubby icons. So yeah, this might be West Michigan’s version of that moment.

Up Next: New Animals that have joined the John Ball Zoo since 2024 ⬇️

The zoo hasn’t announced a name for the little bundle of cute yet, but fans can expect updates as Penelope’s pregnancy progresses. In the meantime, zoo visitors can keep an eye out for the mom-to-be at the pygmy hippo habitat and maybe start practicing their “awww” for the big debut.