The ZOO welcomes baby hippo

GULF BREEZE - The ZOO-Northwest Florida recently welcomed a new baby hippo on Saturday, Oct.4, born to two of The ZOO's resident hippos, Cleo and Kiboko. Zookeepers named the 65-pound calf, "Kayin," which means "long-awaited child" in Swahili. It is still too early to tell if the calf is male or female.

"Kayin is an extremely exciting addition to The ZOO," said Danyelle Lantz, executive director of The ZOO. "Visitors can come to see the new baby now, and can return regularly to watch it as it grows, possibly up to 4,000 pounds."

The ZOO is planning additional renovations to the hippo exhibit to ensure the safety of the newborn calf as it grows. The renovations are anticipated to cost approximately $10,000 and are needed prior to the newborn reaching six months of age. Corporate sponsorship is available and needed for the renovations.

The calf will also be added to The ZOO's "Adopt an Animal" program. Those interested can learn about all the ways to support The ZOO by visiting www.thezoonorthwestflorida.org.

The ZOO, located at 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information call (850) 932-2229.