Americans who fell in love with Mu Deng no longer need to travel to Thailand to see a baby pygmy hippopotamus in person.
For a limited time, the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia is currently offering a special encounter with baby pygmy hippopotamus Poppy. This summer, following a social media frenzy surrounding Thailand’s pygmy hippo Mu Deng, the now one-month-old hippo made headlines for the first time since its birth last month.
Here’s what you need to know about the Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience.
Who is the baby pygmy hippopotamus Poppy?
Poppy was born on December 9, 2024 to Iris and Corwin, captive pygmy hippos at Metro Richmond Zoo. Poppy is Iris and Corwin’s third calf in the last four and a half years.
Poppy’s birth was unique as it was Iris’ first time giving birth in water. Most common hippos give birth in water, but pygmy hippos can also give birth on land.
Poppy’s name was chosen earlier this month in a four-choice poll that attracted more than 116,000 votes in 165 countries. Other name choices included Juniper, Hammy Mae, and Omi.
What does the Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience include?
According to Metro Richmond Zoo, the Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience is 30 minutes long and includes:
A guided behind-the-scenes tour of Hippo Haven Habitat’s indoor pool. Walk in the water close to Poppy and Iris, with a safe fence in between. Possible opportunity to feed poppies and iris. Learn more about pygmy hippopotamus behavior and conservation from our team members at the zoo.
Experience is limited to a maximum of 4 people and participants must be 8 years or older. Participants will be provided with waders.
How much does the Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience cost?
The Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience costs $175 per person. Metro Richmond Zoo admission fee of $26 is required and is not included in the ticket price for the Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience.
How do I book the Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience?
For a limited time, you can book the Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience on the Metro Richmond Zoo website.
According to the website, the last day to reserve a trial is March 1, but that day was already sold out as of Tuesday afternoon.
Until then, the Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience is available every day except Sunday at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Why are pygmy hippos so popular?
The story of the pygmy hippopotamus started circulating online in July 2024 after Mu Deng was born at Thailand’s Khao Kheao Public Zoo. Videos and photos of the baby pygmy have received millions of views on social media.
A few months after Mu Deng’s birth, a female pygmy calf named Haggis rose to fame on social media. Born in October 2024, Haggis lives at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo.
The pygmy hippopotamus is considered a smaller cousin of the common hippo and has been classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 2015. According to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation, they are about half the size of a common hippo and weigh less than a quarter of the total length of an adult common hippo. Pygmies are native to West Africa and have an average lifespan of 27 years.
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Follow her on X and on Instagram @gretalcross. Idea for a story? Email [email protected].