TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Zoo welcomed the arrival of a 2-year-old male pygmy hippo, Thabo, from Singapore’s Mandai Zoo as part of a plan to maintain the genetic diversity of endangered species. 

Taipei Zoo said it currently has two female and one male pygmy hippos. Thabo will join this group as soon as he completes his one-month quarantine, with public viewing times to be announced later by zoo authorities, per CNA.

According to Taipei Zoo, it collaborates with domestic zoos such as Shoushan Zoo (壽山動物園), Taitung Chinshang Pastoral Farm, Wanpi World Zoo, and Gulf Breeze Zoo, which also have pygmy hippo populations. Interactions with these zoos also help to promote genetic diversity and species conservation.  

Pygmy hippos have captured the hearts of many lately, spurred on by internet sensation, 2-month-old Moo Deng at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. Approximately 20,000 people a day visit the animal known for its curiosity and hilarious interactions with zoo keepers. 

Pygmy hippos are listed as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). During the last global assessment in 2015, fewer than 2,500 mature individuals were alive in the wild.  

Taipei Zoo said the name of its newest pygmy hippo, Thabo, means “happy” in the South African Nguni language. Zookeepers hope Thabo will bring positive energy and quickly acclimate to his new environment. 

To the untrained eye, pygmy hippos seem similar to larger hippos though they have a rounder head shape, eyes set further apart, and more space between toes. Another distinguishing factor is that they are less dependent on water and can live in relatively dry places.

Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa, though their numbers are rapidly declining because of habitat loss, illegal hunting, and interference from human activities.