PYgmy hippo has a name

JOBURG Zoo’s new baby pygmy hippo has finally been named. It will be called Phitlhelelo, which means “achieved” in Setswana.

Phitlhelelo means 'achieved' in SetswanaPhitlhelelo means 'achieved' in Setswana (Photo: Candice Segal)The name was suggested by Victor Ramakoetsana, a security guard who works in the suburbs around the zoo, who entered a competition run by the reserve. “The winning name Phitlhelelo was randomly selected from over 250 entries and is a befitting name for our young pygmy hippo,” said the zoo’s marketing assistant, Candice Segal.

Ramakoetsana decided to enter the competition after reading an article about the hippo in the local newspaper. In choosing a suggestion, Ramakoetsana thought about how long the zoo had waited for another baby to be born and what it meant to the zoo.

“Ramakoetsana will receive an annual pass valued at R500, which [will allow] him to come to the zoo as many times as he wishes over the course of 12 months,” said Segal. He will also be able to meet Phitlhelelo in its enclosure after the prize handover.

Breeding programme
Phitlehelelo is the result of a breeding programme partnership between Johannesburg Zoo and the national Zoological Gardens in Pretoria. The partnership resulted in Phitlhelelo’s birth in July 2010.

“As the second generation of pygmy hippos born through the joint breeding partnership, Phitlehelelo is truly an achievement,” said Segal.

The 15-month-old hippo arrived in Joburg from the National Zoo conservation farm in Limpopo on 11 August. Segal said it had settled in well and already weighed 112kg.

“When fully mature he could weigh approximately 260kg. Initially there were concerns about a condition where his eyes do not produce enough tears.”

Daily eye treatment from the keepers, however, is being administered to manage the long-term condition.