A rare sight awaits visitors at the Houston Zoo as Akobi, a four-year-old pygmy hippo, settles into his new home as part of a global conservation effort.
While visitors may be familiar with pygmy hippos from the viral fame of “Moo Deng,” a newborn hippo at a zoo in Thailand, Akobi brings a similar charm to Houston.
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He arrived from the San Francisco Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan Program, which helps endangered species thrive through strategic breeding programs.
The name Akobi, which means “first born” in Yoruba, suits this hippo, who was originally born at the San Diego Zoo in April 2020.
Guests can spot Akobi near the bongo habitat as he adjusts to his new surroundings.
Pygmy hippos face threats from deforestation, mining, and hunting. Houston Zoo encourages visitors to help protect these unique animals by recycling cell phones and small electronics at the zoo. These items contain metals mined in regions where pygmy hippos live, and recycling them reduces the demand for new resources.
In 2024, the zoo has recycled over 1,200 electronic devices, helping safeguard critical habitats for Akobi’s species and other wildlife.
Akobi is now ready to meet the Houston community, and visitors can find him as he gets acquainted with his new home and contributes to vital conservation efforts.