⁠What are Poppy’s parents’ names? Baby pygmy hippo born in a Virginia zoo steals the spotlight from Thailand’s Moo Deng

Poppy, the baby pygmy hippo, born to Iris and Corwin on December 9, 2024, from Virginia, stole the spotlight from Thailand's Moo Deng. Poppy is the third calf of Iris and Corwin in four years.

Belonging to West Africa, the Pygmy Hippo can live up to 30-50 years. Currently, the Pygmy Hippos are an endangered species with a population of only 2500. They are in danger due to poaching and habitat loss.

Depending on whether they are male or female, bigger, fully grown hippos can weigh between 9,920 and 3,000 pounds, whereas a mature pygmy hippopotamus can weigh between 400 and 600 pounds. So, they're pretty small, yet bigger than pigs.

Pygmy hippos can give birth on both land and water. Iris gave birth to Poppy in the enclosure's indoor pool marking it the first time she ever gave birth in water. Iris's other two daughters are named Violet and Petunia. Their names are all nods to the floral family.

Pygmy hippos do not live in groups like the ordinary hippos. They live in pairs or alone. Iris's other two daughters, Violet and Petunia, were transferred to different zoological facilities once they grew up so they could live with potential mates and keep helping to save their species.

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Poppy stealing the spotlight from Moo Deng

Moo Deng, the social media sensation of last year, who you probably saw every time you opened any social media platform. From memes to wholesome edits, Moo Deng was everywhere.

Moo Deng was born on July 10, 2024, to Tony and Jonah in Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand. Her name was also selected through a poll in which 20,000 people took part. Moo Deng, when translated into English, means 'bouncy pig' or 'bouncy pork.'

She instantly went viral on social media when the zoo uploaded images on its Facebook page. From there onwards, she became famous. Known for being energetic and hyper, she instantly became a fan favorite.

Everything changed when the Virginia Zoo uploaded a post of baby pygmy to announce the poll for its name. This shot up and more than 100,000 votes from 165 countries and all 50 states. The baby pygmy was finally named 'Poppy' as it received the highest number of votes. Immediately, the internet reacted to this, and one user commented:

"Watch out Moo Deng, meet America’s cute baby hippo."

Another chimed in, claiming:

"Poppy the next American Moondeng."

Another user commented-"Awwwww, just what we were hoping!! Poppy matches her Momma!"

People have been in awe of Poppy since they laid eyes on her. Poppy finally made her official zoo debut on January 3, 2025. You can bet there are long lines and huge crowds to see her at the zoo.