Berlin Zoo Welcomes Toni: New Pygmy Hippo Named After Soccer Star

Berlin Zoo recently introduced its newest resident, a baby pygmy hippopotamus named Toni, to the public. The young hippo, born on June 3, 2024, made her debut on August 14, 2024, captivating visitors with her small size and playful demeanor.

The naming process for the new arrival involved an extensive public participation, with over 20,000 name suggestions submitted. Zoo officials ultimately selected "Toni," inspired by Antonio Rüdiger, a renowned German soccer player originally from Berlin. Rüdiger, who plays for Real Madrid and the German national team, has agreed to become the animal's honorary patron.

Zoo director Andreas Knieriem explained the reasoning behind the name choice, stating that they sought a concise name with international appeal, reflecting the hippo's potential to become a "world star" due to her social media popularity. This decision marked a departure from traditional Berlin-centric names initially considered.

Toni, still comparable in size to a small dog, explored her enclosure alongside her mother, Debbie. Pygmy hippos, native to West Africa, are significantly smaller than their common hippopotamus relatives and are primarily nocturnal. These herbivores feed on ferns, broad-leaved plants, and fruits, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal within their native ecosystems.

The Berlin Zoo has a long-standing history of successfully breeding pygmy hippos, dating back to 1921 when they achieved the first recorded breeding of the species in Europe. Debbie, Toni's mother, has previously reared offspring in 2004, 2007, and 2008, contributing to the zoo's conservation efforts.

Pygmy hippos face significant challenges in the wild, with fewer than 2,500 adults remaining in their native habitats across Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The species is already extinct in Nigeria and continues to face major habitat loss due to deforestation for mining and agriculture in West Africa.

These unique animals possess several fascinating adaptations. Their skin secretes a pinkish fluid that acts as a natural moisturizer and sunblock. Despite their stocky build, pygmy hippos can run faster than humans and are excellent swimmers, capable of staying submerged for up to 5 minutes.

Conservation efforts for pygmy hippos are crucial, as they are considered vulnerable to extinction. Zoos play a vital role in these efforts through breeding programs and raising awareness about the species' plight. The arrival of Toni at Berlin Zoo not only brings joy to visitors but also highlights the importance of protecting these remarkable creatures and their habitats.

"We wanted to take account of this development with a short, concise name that also works well outside Berlin."

As Toni grows and captures the hearts of zoo visitors, she serves as an ambassador for her species, reminding us of the need to protect endangered wildlife and preserve biodiversity for future generations.