China News Service, Harbin, June 23 (Reporter Liu Xiaomi and Wang Lin) Harbin Northern Forest Zoo released news on the 23rd that the park gave birth to a female baby hippo on May 23, 2020. This is a hippo in China's high latitudes. The first successful breeding is also the first time the park has successfully bred hippos since its establishment in 1954 for 66 years. On June 23, the little hippo greeted the full moon safely and healthily.

Newborn baby hippo perched in water Photo by Liu Xiaomi

　　The Northern Forest Zoo is located in Heilongjiang, a high-altitude and high-cold province, and is one of the eight comprehensive zoos in China. Earlier, the park introduced female hippo "Dudu" from Chengdu and male hippo "Qingzai" from Guangzhou. Both hippos are only 6 years old this year, and today's full moon baby hippo is their first baby.

Little hippo and mother play in the water Photo by Liu Xiaomi

　　Liu Xiaomi, a senior engineer for animal breeding at the North Forest Zoo, told reporters: "In high latitudes and high cold areas, successful breeding of hippos requires solving many technical problems, not to mention successful breeding. The simplest example is that Harbin is cold in winter and hippos must be indoors In the middle of winter, you need to keep the pool clean and the water temperature appropriate."

　　Liu Xiaomi said: "Unlike low-latitude regions where spring is like four seasons, hippos can eat grass all year round. Hippos living in the north can only eat hay in winter, so they need to supplement their vitamins. Since the discovery of hippo pregnancy, we have been concerned For its nutrition and health, formulate scientific and reasonable nutritional meals suitable for pregnancy."

Little hippo walking with his mother. Photographed by Liu Xiaomi

　　On May 23, Hippo's mother "beep" smoothly gave birth to a healthy baby in the water. This little hippo was born with a height of 28cm and a body length of 63cm. Breast milk was also taken in the water. During this period, the breeder has been paying attention to the physical status of the little hippo to ensure the nutrition and environment of the diet.

Little Hippo and Mum at the Hippo Pavilion Photo by Liu Xiaomi

　　On June 23, the little hippo is full moon. Under the careful care and patient education of the hippo mother, the hippo has reached 44cm in height and 83cm in length, and has grown into a smart, healthy, lively and lovely little hippo. It is expected that during the Dragon Boat Festival, when the weather is fine, the baby hippo can meet the tourists. (Finish)