Chiang Mai Zoo has announced the arrival of its newest family member — a baby hippopotamus born on 14th April, right in the middle of the Songkran festival. The calf is the fifth hippo at the zoo, and zoo director Ularika Kongphrom marked the occasion with a decorated viewing area, photo spots and activities for visitors, with the zoo’s elephant mascot “Chang Chaiyo” on hand to welcome guests.
The hippo is reported to be in good health, lively and fond of swimming close to its mother, who has been nursing regularly and showing strong maternal instincts. The sex of the calf has not yet been confirmed. The baby’s parents are Wirochon, an impressive 52-year-old male who remains vigorous and fertile, and 15-year-old female Mayom.
The zoo plans to hold a public event soon where visitors can vote on the calf’s name and guess its sex. Updates will be posted on the zoo’s official Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels. The zoo also invites the public to visit the hippo enclosure and support wildlife conservation in Thailand.
