A baby pygmy hippo born on January 22, 2024, has officially been named Jellybean following a public voting campaign at Arizona’s Wildlife World Zoo. The name received an overwhelming 81.3% of the votes from visitors and fans, surpassing runner-up Cadbury, which garnered 7.3%, and Twixi with 6.9%.
During an appearance on the TODAY Show on February 23, 2024, Kristy Hayden, President of Arizona’s Wildlife World Zoo, presented Jellybean to viewers from the zoo’s exhibit. As Hayden cradled the baby hippo in her lap, she announced the name to a chorus of cheers from the show’s hosts, including Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb. “I don’t know if we could have a cuter name for this adorable little hippo,” she exclaimed.
Significance of Jellybean’s Birth
Pygmy hippos are classified as an endangered species, with only an estimated 2,500 remaining in the wild. Births among this species are rare, making Jellybean’s arrival significant for conservation efforts. The new hippo, along with her mother Lollipop, will be on public display at Arizona’s Wildlife World Zoo, located in Litchfield Park, approximately 20 miles outside of Phoenix.
At birth, Jellybean weighed 11 pounds, and her most recent check-up showed her weight had increased to 33 pounds. Pygmy hippos typically reach weights between 350 and 600 pounds as adults. The zoo aims to contribute to the preservation of the species through educational exhibits and initiatives.
Jellybean’s birth follows the recent arrival of another baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand in July 2024. Moo Deng gained viral fame, prompting a surge in visitors to the facility, highlighting the public’s growing interest in these unique animals.
As Jellybean begins her journey in the spotlight, both the zoo and its visitors are excited about the role she may play in raising awareness about the conservation of pygmy hippos and their habitat.