A baby hippopotamus was born at the Berlin Zoo, and as often happens, the news quickly went viral. The little one, who came into the world on September 28, is the first child of Nala, a thirteen-year-old specimen, and weighs 32 kilos – a little less than the usual 40 kilos of newborns of this species. A birth that experts define as “rare”, because it is a twin birth, an event that occurs in only 1% of cases. Unfortunately, however, her little brother did not survive, but the little girl seems to be growing well under the watchful eye of the vets and, above all, of the cameras.
From the miracle of life to yet another tourist attraction
On the zoo’s social media profiles, the little one has already become a little star: videos of his bath, photos of his ears moving in the water, daily updates on his weight. All perfectly packaged for the public. A cheerful and glossy tone which however hides a more complex reality: that of captivity. Because behind every sweet post lies a wild animal forced into an artificial habitat, exposed to lights, noises and lenses. It’s hard not to wonder whether it’s right to celebrate a natural event in such an unnatural context.
The paradox of captive conservation
Modern zoos like to present themselves as conservation centers, but the line between entertainment remains thin. In the case of the little hippopotamus in Berlin, each update also serves to generate visibility, engagement and tickets sold. Meanwhile, the message being conveyed is clear: animals, even newborns, become content to be shared.
Yet, in the wild, a baby hippo would have no cameras trained on him or enthusiastic visitors behind a glass window. He would only have the river, the silence and continuous contact with his herd. A freedom that no enclosure, no matter how large or well-kept, can truly reproduce. Perhaps the real “miracle” is not the birth of another puppy behind bars, but imagining a future in which there is no longer any need.
(English below) Badeaction bei unserem Happy Hippo! Neben Kuscheln mit Mama und ausgiebigen Nickerchen ist Baden die Lieblingsbeschäftigung unseres kleinen Flusspferds. Während Mama Nala und ihr Nachwuchs noch ihre ruhige Zeit allein genießen, tobt der Kleine fröhlich durchs Wasserbecken … natürlich darf das berühmte Öhrchenwackeln nicht fehlen!The jungle currently weighs 32 kilos, but it was also about 40 kilos at the beginning of the year, but it is not even possible to reach the destination of Mama Nala.
If you are looking for momentary moments, nothing will happen, after all: We would like to know the small rules, let’s start again with the cool Hippo-Content towards the color bleibt!
Bath time fun with our Happy Hippo! In addition to cuddling with mom and taking long naps, bathing is our little hippo’s favorite activity. While mama Nala and her baby are still enjoying some quiet time together, the little one is already splashing around happily in the pool and of course, the famous ear-wiggling can’t be missed!
The youngster currently weighs 32 kilos, a bit less than the usual 40 kilos for newborns but he’s steadily gaining weight and being lovingly cared for by his mom Nala.
Posted by Zoo Berlin on Friday, October 10, 2025
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