Endangered pygmy hippo calf dies suddenly at Taronga Zoo

A pygmy hippo calf, an endangered species, has suddenly died at just over a month old.

A pygmy hippo calf has suddenly died only a month after being born at Taronga Zoo Sydney.

The zoo announced the death of the hippo, known as the “little watermelon on legs”, on Wednesday, saying she was found unresponsive on Christmas Eve.

The zoo’s veterinary team believe there was a potential problem with her heart but investigations are still under way to confirm the cause of death.

The pygmy hippo calf at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Picture: Harry Vincent / Facebook

“There were no indications of trauma or misadventure,” Taronga Zoo Sydney wrote on Facebook.

“Keepers have naturally been keeping a close eye on mum Kambiri and dad Fergus who are in good health and appear to be calm and relaxed.

“She was a much-loved member of the Taronga family and her passing is understandably heartbreaking for all those who knew and cared for her.”

There was a public competition running to name the little girl. After her death it was revealed she would have been called Amara, meaning filled with beauty and grace.

The pygmy hippo is an endangered species found in west Africa and there’s less than 3000 left in the wild. Their biggest threat is habitat loss.

Amara was Kambiri’s second calf, born on November 22, with her first calf born four years ago.

Kambiri was said to be a very protective mum. Picture: Taronga Zoo Sydney / Facebook

There are only about 3000 pygmy hippos left in the wild. Picture: Taronga Zoo Sydney / Facebook

Keepers said Kambiri was a very attentive and protective mum.

“She’s an excellent mother. From day dot she’s been extremely attentive to her calf, so much so that she didn’t eat for a couple of days,” senior ungulate keeper Ranae Moss said on December 9 when Amara made her public debut at the zoo.

“She’s just too busy focusing on her baby, making sure it’s safe and protecting it.”