"Khon Kaen Zoo" is preparing to open a vote to name a "baby dwarf hippopotamus." It has reached one month old and holds the relation of "niece to Mu Deng, younger sister to Mu Duang, and cousin to Mu Daeng."
On 7 May 2026, Mrs. Tipawadee Kittikhun, Director of Khon Kaen Zoo, revealed the latest update on the new female dwarf hippopotamus born on 5 April 2026. She said the new female dwarf hippopotamus is the offspring of "Nadech," a dwarf hippopotamus from Khao Kheow Open Zoo, and "Yaya," a dwarf hippopotamus from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo.
This baby hippo is considered the "niece of Mu Deng" and the "younger sister of Mu Duang," the beloved dwarf hippopotamus celebrity adored by Khon Kaen residents. She is also a "cousin to Mu Daeng" of Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, who is currently attracting significant attention from tourists.
The mentioned dwarf hippopotamus underwent a health check at one month old. The results showed she is in robust health, with normal lung function and age-appropriate development. She remains under close care by a team of veterinarians and specialists. Physical examination revealed the normal emergence of teeth and tusks, with two upper teeth and four lower teeth. Additionally, a microchip was implanted to systematically track her health data.
Currently, she weighs 16.45 kilograms, up from her birth weight of 5.76 kilograms. Her body length is 72 centimeters, head length 15.5 centimeters, tail length 7.5 centimeters, waist circumference 67 centimeters, chest circumference 61 centimeters, and head circumference 40 centimeters. These measurements reflect healthy growth. However, this dwarf hippopotamus does not yet have an official name. Khon Kaen Zoo plans to launch an activity allowing the public to vote for her name, fostering engagement and a stronger bond with wildlife.
Mrs. Tipawadee Kittikhun, Director of Khon Kaen Zoo, added that the zoo invites the public and tourists to come and see the adorable new baby dwarf hippopotamus, who is the "niece of Mu Deng, younger sister of Mu Duang, and cousin of Mu Daeng," along with the entire dwarf hippopotamus family up close. Visitors can also follow and participate in the naming vote through the zoo's communication channels. Khon Kaen Zoo is open daily from 08:30 to 16:00. Additional news, activities, and details can be found via the zoo's various platforms.