The baby Pygmy Hippopotamus has been named!
news
Updated on April 7, 2026
Ueno Zoo held a voting period from March 17, 2026, to name a baby Pygmy Hippopotamus (female) born on December 25, 2025.
We are pleased to announce that the name has now been decided. Thank you to everyone who voted.
This Pygmy Hippopotamus breeding project is the result of a joint breeding program conducted by our zoo and NIFREL in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture.
Decided name
Iroha (named after the Iroha maple, derived from her mother's name, Momiji. The flower's meanings are "harmony" and "beautiful change.")
The process leading to the decision
Between March 17th and March 31st, 2026, we asked people to vote for the name they thought was most suitable from the following five name candidates. The name that received the most votes was "Iroha."
① Iroha... 3,142 votes
② Kohana... 2,745 votes
③ Holly…1,741 votes
④ Camellia... 1,098 votes
⑤ Spruce... 393 votes
*Total votes: 9,119
Animal care status at Ueno Zoo (as of April 7, 2026)
5 cubs (2 males, 3 females) *Including the offspring born this time
Domestic breeding situation (as of April 7, 2026)
7 zoos/aquariums, 16 animals (5 males, 11 females) *This includes the offspring born this time.
About the release
Please see below for details on public release.
others
There are no plans for a naming ceremony.
Please note that we will not be offering any commemorative gifts or other presents to those who submitted the winning name.