VIDEO - Meet Augustus, the baby Hippo born at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Feb 22, 2018 in "Kilimanjaro Safaris"

Hippo Birth at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Posted: Thursday February 22, 2018 7:22pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney's Animal Kingdom announced today that the baby hippo born last month is named Augustus, and is a boy.

Weighing in at 168 pounds, Augustus is the first hippo born at the park in 13 years. He is often seen staying close to his mom, Tuma.

The birth of Augustus marks another success for the dedicated and highly trained team of animal care experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures. Nile hippos are a vulnerable species with a declining population. Augustus’ parents, Tuma and Henry, were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The SSP ensures responsible breeding so there will be healthy and diverse animal populations for years to come.

You can see Augustus on Kilimanjaro Safaris and also during the Wild Africa Trek experience.

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awelpjourneysFeb 22, 2018

He's a cutie! Here in Cincinnati we're a little obsessed with hippos and #teamfiona right now, so we are always excited when a new hippo is born.

Walt dFeb 22, 2018

Welcome augustus” I guess this makes us all grand parents ..

Captain BarbossaFeb 22, 2018

Fitting name for a male hippo. Can't wait to see him!

StarWarsGirlFeb 22, 2018

He was out when we were on Safari this month...

MinnieM123Feb 22, 2018

Love the video--Augustus is so cute!! :happy:

wdwmagicFeb 22, 2018

VIDEO - Meet Augustus, the baby Hippo born at Disney's Animal Kingdom

RiderFeb 10, 2018

From today

RadeksgrlJan 30, 2018

Thanks so much for letting me know!

rhino4evrJan 30, 2018

we were there Saturday morning as well around 10am, and saw both baby and mama. very cute.

DisneyOutsiderJan 30, 2018

Saw the baby hippo on Saturday the 27th in the morning. Was out of the water right next to mother.

prfctlyximprctJan 30, 2018

Saw this on instagram!!! I wanna hug it sos

RadeksgrlJan 29, 2018

Did anyone happen to see the baby hippo this past weekend or today? I was there on Friday (Jan 26) but didn't see the baby. There were hippos out Friday morning, but by mid-afternoon the entire bloat was missing from the left side. Maybe they were finally able to get the baby inside for weight/sex determination? I'd like to try again this week, but only if the baby hippo is back outside.

AEfxJan 21, 2018

With captive hippos, it really is the first 24 hours that are crucial. When they make it past that, his chances are really good. That's why he was out so quickly, whereas other species they don't allow the babies to be in the habitats for some time after birth.

21stampsJan 21, 2018

As long as they don’t choose Fiona.. .I’m sure Disney knows that name is already taken..;). Hyacinth would be perfect.