TAMPA, Fla. — Holly Berry, the hippo, celebrated her first birthday on Saturday thanks to her family at ZooTampa and her friends at The Hyppo.
- ZooTampa's hippo, Holly Berry, celebrated her 1st birthday
- Holly Berry is a rare pygmy hippopotamus
- She was born at ZooTamp on Dec. 1, 2017
Holly Berry is a rare pygmy hippopotamus born at ZooTampa last year. The zoo and The Hyppo, a gourmet ice pop company, partnered last December on a contest to name the baby hippo. And the winning name was Holly Berry!
This year, the two partnered again to throw Holly Berry her first birthday party!
“The Hyppo is thrilled to partner with the zoo again to celebrate Holly Berry’s first birthday”, said Jessi Streator, Executive Assistant at The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops. "We have always admired the great work of ZooTampa and have really enjoyed continuing our involvement in the celebration of this rare species.”
The ice pop company worked with the zoo to create special enrichment for Holly Berry, which encourages natural behavior and exercise. It also provides stimulation for the senses and mind, while engaging animals socially.
Hippo-sized ice pops were created using fresh cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew. The ice pops were placed in the hippos habitat for them to enjoy.
Guests were also invited to celebrate Holly Berry's first birthday. Her party even had carolers!
“We are excited to celebrate Holly Berry’s first birthday. It’s been special to have our community be part of Holly’s milestones and watch her grow,” said Chris Massaro, General Curator at ZooTampa. “It was fun working with The Hyppo again – in the commissary and as partners! They are a beloved local company and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”
There are less than 40 pygmy hippos, which are smaller than their Nile hippo relative, in the Species Survival Program.
Holly Berry can be seen regularly in her habitat in Ituri Forest located in Safari Africa. Visitors can also help ZooTampa care for the hippos by adopting a hippo. The funds raised go to animal care and conservation efforts.