Hippo born on July 17 2013 :July 19, 2013 Hippo Birth Goes Swimmingly at Zoo Basel Hippo 1 On July 17, a hippopotamus was born at Zoo Basel in Switzerland. The little one was born in the ditch of the outdoor enclosure, and mother Helvetia, 22 years-old, immediately nudged it towards the bank with her nose, where it was able to rest. It has not yet been given a name, as it is still unclear whether the baby is male or female. At the beginning of the day on Wednesday, the animal keeper suspected that the time for the birth was near. Helvetia was restless, but still headed to the outdoor enclosure to feed. Shortly after 9 a.m., a tiny head suddenly emerged from the water. The father, 23-year-old Wilhelm, made constant attempts to take a peek at the little one, but Helvetia was having none of it: if he came too close, she would shoo him away with an unambiguous clip round the head. Experience has shown that this will abate over time, and in a few weeks visitors will be able to see the whole family bathing together. Hippo 2 Hippo 4 Hippo 3 Photo credits: Zoo Basel The little one has to dive underwater in order to drink from its mother, resurfacing every 30 seconds to take a breath. The baby weighs between 65 and 110 pounds (30 and 50 kilograms) and is currently feeding solely on its mother’s milk, and will only begin to eat solid food in a few weeks’ time. As is common for the vast animals that are hippopotamuses, the pregnancy was scarcely visible. However, shortly before the birth the mother’s udders began to swell, and Helvetia and father Wilhelm started to keep their distance from each other. The little one is Wilhelm and Helvetia’s tenth child. Older brother Habari, now three-years-old, has been living in Pont-Scorff, France, since June 2012. Source : Zooborns
This film about the rhinos at Basel is a couple of years old but I think it's worth sharing. A Swiss rhinoceros breeding program - YouTube
A Male Indian Rhino was born in the night to the 5th.October. It is the 8th calf to the female"Ellora", and Number 34 at teh basle Zoo.This birth is something Special and unique in europe, because "Ellora"had the chioce,where to give birth-in the outside enclosure or inside. Sie decided to give birth in the barn. Second, the older sister to the newborn calf was with her mother, when she gave birth-this was the first time in europe. Hopefully other Zoos will follow this positive example.
Article about Spider monkey birth at Basel Zoo : Baby Spider Monkey: To Leap or Not to Leap - ZooBorns
2 lietters of African lions raised together at Basel Zoo : Lion Moms Raise Litters Together at Zoo Basel - ZooBorns
Again a Somali wild ass born at Basel : Zoo Basel Welcomes a Critically Endangered Somali Wild Ass - ZooBorns
Already a little ago but surtainly worth mention. On Oct. 18 2013 a female Vietnam Spear-nosed snake ( Rhynchophis boulengeri ) laid 3 eggs but only one was firtile. This one hatched on Dec. 10 2013 and is raised succesfully
