Flamingo Land has announced the exciting new arrival to its family. On May 8th, 2024, resident hippos, Godzilla and Hoover, welcomed a female calf into the world at the park in North Yorkshire. This significant event marks the first Nile Hippopotamus birth at Flamingo Land in over two decades and the first successful birth of this species in the UK in seven years.
Given the vulnerable status of Nile hippopotamuses, this birth is a crucial milestone for both our zoo and the species’ population. The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) has identified Godzilla as the most important female hippo in Europe, making her successful reproduction particularly vital.
In honour of the northern lights that illuminated the UK skies the week she was born, the park has named the newborn Aurora. The park revealed that Aurora’s journey began with some challenges. Saying our keepers and veterinary team noticed that Godzilla was not feeding her properly. This concern led to Aurora being taken to a veterinary hospital in Malton for a 24-hour stay.”
“Thankfully, she received the necessary care and was discharged back to Flamingo Land, where our dedicated keepers have since been providing round-the-clock care.”
Thankfully the new born, Aurora, is now thriving and growing stronger each day. The team is hopeful that she will soon be reunited with her mother and then visitors can look forward to seeing Aurora as she begins to spend more time outside, exploring her habitat and getting some exercise.
Flamingo Land invites a guests to come and meet Aurora, our newest and most precious addition once she’s ready to head out.
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