Pygmy Hippo Calf Born at John Ball Zoo — Penelope Welcomes Baby Joyce

Penelope, a female pygmy hippo at John Ball Zoo, gave birth to Joyce, the zoo’s first-ever pygmy hippo calf.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A wave of excitement has rippled through John Ball Zoo as Penelope, a female pygmy hippo, welcomed her first calf, a tiny bundle of joy named Joyce.

Joyce, weighing just 11 pounds at birth, made her debut on Wednesday, Sept. 3, marking a historic milestone: she is the very first pygmy hippo calf ever born at the Grand Rapids zoo. Her arrival is being celebrated not only by zoo staff but also by animal lovers across the region.

The zoo shared the joyous news on social media Thursday afternoon, giving fans a glimpse into the beginning of Joyce’s journey. Penelope, who had been pregnant for approximately seven months, has been closely monitored by the zoo’s dedicated animal care team.

Earlier on the day of the birth, the zoo posted a video of a visibly pregnant Penelope attempting to get comfortable in her enclosure. In the footage, she performed what the staff affectionately called a “baby-bump shimmy,” a series of amusing movements that any expectant mom — human or animal — might relate to during the final stretch of pregnancy.

“Our animal care team is keeping a close eye on mom and baby as they bond behind the scenes, and both are doing wonderfully,” John Ball Zoo wrote on social media, reassuring fans that Joyce and Penelope are thriving.

The arrival of Joyce is more than just a local headline; it’s a meaningful boost for conservation efforts. Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, with fewer than 2,500 estimated to exist in the wild across Western Africa. Each birth in captivity plays a critical role in the Species Survival Breeding Plan, a carefully managed program designed to protect and preserve the species for future generations.

Pygmy hippos, while significantly smaller than their more familiar relatives, are still impressive animals. Adult pygmy hippos typically weigh between 400 and 600 pounds, stretch 4.5 to 6 feet long, and stand 2.5 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder. Despite their size, they share many of the same behaviors and characteristics as the larger hippos, making Joyce’s birth an exciting addition to the zoo’s conservation family.

With her arrival, Joyce has instantly become the center of attention at John Ball Zoo, capturing hearts with her tiny, wobbly steps and curious eyes. Zoo officials are hopeful that she will grow strong and healthy, helping to ensure the survival of her species for years to come.