We are moving Pygmy Hippopotamus "Motomoto" to NIFREL (Updated 5/26: He has arrived safely).
news
April 24, 2026 (Updated May 26, 2026)
Added on May 26, 2026: It arrived safely.
Pygmy Hippopotamus "Motomoto" moved as scheduled on May 25th and arrived safely at NIFREL.
We would like to inform you that Motomoto, Pygmy Hippopotamus from Ueno Zoo, will be transferred to NIFREL (Nifrel, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture).
A migrating Pygmy Hippopotamus
Motomoto
Male
12 years old
Born July 9, 2013 at Buin Zoo (Chile).
March 20, 2023: Received from NIFREL (Osaka Prefecture) to Ueno Zoo
background
Our zoo is working in cooperation with other zoos and aquariums to promote the breeding of Pygmy Hippopotamus, a rare animal. "Motomoto" was on loan from NIFREL on March 20, 2023, for breeding purposes, and will now be returned to our zoo.
To date, offspring have been born in March and December of 2025 through breeding between "Motomoto," "Natsume" (female), and "Momiji" (female).
The planned travel date is Monday, May 25, 2026.
The exhibit at Ueno Zoo is scheduled to end on Sunday, May 24th, the day before the move.
Current status of animal care at our zoo (as of April 24, 2026)
5 individuals (2 males, 3 females)
*This includes Motomoto, which will be moved this time.