Khon Kaen Zoo is delighted with its newest member, the youngest sibling of Mu Duang and niece of Mu Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus born on 5 Apr 2026. The zoo showcased the adorable calf to welcome tourists during the Songkran festival and launched a campaign inviting visitors to guess the calf’s gender.
At 09:00 on 8 April 2026 at Khao Suan Kwang Zoo in Khon Kaen province, Mrs. Thipawadee Kittikhun, director of Khon Kaen Zoo, along with staff, took the media to the pygmy hippopotamus exhibit to see the zoo’s newest member, a successful breeding achievement. “Pygmy Hippopotamus” There is one calf born in the early morning of 5 April 2026, weighing 5.76 kilograms, in good health. This brought excitement and joy to the caretakers, bringing the total number of pygmy hippos at Khon Kaen Zoo to six.
Mrs. Thipawadee Kittikhun, director of Khon Kaen Zoo, said the newborn pygmy hippopotamus is the offspring of Nadet, a 16-year-old male brought from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, and Yaya, a 22-year-old female from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. The pair began mating on 20 September 2025, with a gestation period of about 180 to 210 days, resulting in the birth on 5 April 2026. This is the sixth pygmy hippo at Khon Kaen Zoo.
Of the six pygmy hippos, there are two males: Nadet, 16 years old, the sire, and Mu Duang, 2 years old, a visitor favorite. There are three females: the dam Yaya, 22 years old; Dok Khun, 9 years old; and Yada, 7 years old. The newborn's gender is still unknown and is under veterinary care.
The newborn pygmy hippopotamus is the "younger brother" of Mu Duang, the pygmy hippo beloved by visitors, and the "nephew" of Mu Deng from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, widely known and cherished, creating affection among animal fans nationwide.
The director added that this successful breeding marks an important step in wildlife conservation at Khon Kaen Zoo, as pygmy hippopotamuses are rare and endangered species vital to the ecosystem. The birth reflects the zoo's readiness in animal health care, suitable habitat management, and welfare standards aligned with international Five Domains principles. The veterinary and caretaking teams closely monitored the mother and calf before and after birth to ensure their safety and well-being.
Khon Kaen Zoo invites all visitors to participate in guessing the gender of the baby pygmy hippopotamus and to join the official gender announcement on 15 April 2026, which coincides with Mu Duang’s birthday, celebrating warmly together. Visitors can see the adorable baby hippo every day, including public holidays, or find more information via the zoo’s social media at www.facebook.com/สวนสัตว์ขอนแก่น and the official website www.khonkaenzoo.com.