Disney names hippo born at Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World has announced the selected name and revealed the gender of the hippopotamus born at the theme park in January.
It’s a boy. And he will be called Augustus.
The calf is the first hippo born at Animal Kingdom in more than 13 years, Disney says.
The gender/name reveal happened during the park’s Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction, according to the official Disney Parks Blog. An accompanying video showed Augustus in action, swimming, snoozing and walking around with his mother, Tuma.
Animal Kingdom visitors will be able to see Augustus — who now weighs in at 168 pounds — and Tuma during the safari attraction and while on the (extra ticket) Wild Africa Trek tour.
“He will be very visible to guests,” said Scott Terrell, director of animal & science operations for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.
Other animals that may be spotted along the attraction include antelopes, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, lions, warthogs, zebras and flamingos.
Augustus’ birth is part of Disney’s participation in the Species Survival Plan, overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies hippos as “vulnerable,” meaning they are one step away from being considered an endangered species.