Dallas Zoo hippo baby 'Kalo' makes public habitat debut
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Dallas Zoo's new hippo calf 'Kalo' and mom Boipelo are making their habitat debut to the public today, Dec. 6.
Her name is a tribute to one of the K9 patrol dogs at Conservation Lower Zambezi based in Zambia.
Boipelo and Kalo have explored the Simmons Hippo Outpost a few times in the last few weeks, in preparation for their first public appearance. For each outing – the zoo was closed to the public – mom kept a close eye on baby, and Boipelo definitely preferred to keep the calf with her and spend time on the sandy beach. But baby has already ventured into the 120,000-gallon pool to explore and swim over near the viewing window -- cute!
Kalo, born on Oct. 30, continues to stay close to mom and nurse well, shows a lot of interest in exploring, and seemingly adds a new "roll" every few days!
IT'S A GIRL! We’re thrilled to share that our baby hippo is a girl, and we've decided to name her Kalo! Pronounced Kah-lo, her name is a tribute to one of the K9 patrol dogs at Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), based in Zambia. pic.twitter.com/WzOw1mHyJ3
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) December 6, 2022
Boipelo and Kalo will continue to make regular appearance in the Simmons Hippo Outpost in the coming weeks, pending suitable weather and as mom's comfort level allows.