A pygmy hippopotamus, one of the rarest and most endangered species, was born in the Attica Zoological Park in Athens for the first time in 10 years.

A shortage of male pygmy hippos in captivity had complicated breeding efforts, so zoo staff were “absolutely thrilled” that the baby was a boy, Noi Psaroudaki, the zoo’s wildlife veterinarian, told Reuters.

Listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is estimated that only about 2,000-2,500 are still living in the wild.

“This is the first birth at the zoo in 2024 and what a birth!” said Ms. Psaroudaki.

“Every birth of pygmy hippos in captivity is extremely important. We are very happy to see this baby grow into a healthy adult hippo and we hope that one day it will breed,” he said.

Pygmy hippos are native to swamps and rainforests in western Africa. Listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is estimated that only about 2,000-2,500 are still living in the wild.

Weighing 7kg, the pygmy hippo, whose name will be put to a vote, was born on February 19 to the zoo’s only two pygmy hippos, Lizzy and Jamal.

The hippopotamus, solitary and nocturnal by nature, will remain with its mother for a few months before venturing into the wild.