GODDARD, Kan. — Since his birth in December, the endangered pygmy hippo calf at Tanganyika Wildlife Park has captured the hearts of many.
A social media sensation, the youngster has garnered over 25 million views across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook since his arrival.
On Tuesday the park proudly shares his name: Latke! Pronounced lot-kuh, inspired by his birth during Hannukah, his name reflects the traditional Hannukah potato dish, reflecting his endearing round physique. The fourth calf of parents Pluto and Posie, Latke is thriving. He has more than tripled his weight to 46.8 lbs, and he is meeting all developmental milestones with flying colors.
Latke's fan base serves a deeper purpose beyond spreading daily doses of cuteness worldwide. He serves as a vital ambassador for his species, shedding light on the challenges facing the pygmy hippo, a creature many are unaware of. With fewer than 4,000 individuals remaining in their native habitat in Central Africa, breeding pygmy hippos in accredited zoological facilities is increasingly important.
As Latke continues to grow, he’s begun a training program. "Establishing trusting relationships is an important part of our husbandry training program," explains Keeper Sierra Smith. "It enables us to condition complex behaviors like blood draws and nail trims, allowing our animals to actively participate in their healthcare."
This progress means Latke and his hippo family will be ready to welcome visitors to their behind-the-scenes home starting in August of 2024. While Latke still has some more training to do, starting today, visitors can book a unique Pygmy Hippo Meet and Greet, the only encounter of its kind in the United States. Participants will venture into the hippo barn, touch a hippo, engage in a training session, and watch one of the hippos create nose-print paintings as souvenirs of their special experience.
Beginning March 9th, when the park reopens for the season, guests can visit Latke and his parents daily in their habitat. Tanganyika visitors can also enjoy feeding the hippos, one of nine distinct feeding encounter stations designed to bring guests "close enough to care."
With Gold and Silver pass members enjoying inclusive hippo feeding sessions as one of many VIP perks, there's never been a better time to join the Tanganyika conservation community. For a brief window from March 1-14th, Tanganyika Wildlife Park will offer season passes on sale. Given the excitement surrounding our new programs and limited availability, passes are expected to sell out quickly.
You can secure your spot on a hippo tour and purchase your season pass to visit Latke and the rest of the rare and endangered species at Tanganyika by visiting twpark.com.