The 7-year-old female pygmy hippo arrived at John Ball Zoo in the summer of 2023 from the Toronto Zoo in Canada.

John Ball Zoo is expecting a new addition. Penelope, one of the zoo’s pygmy hippos, is pregnant, the zoo announced in a ...

Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo living in Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Bang Phra, Thailand, went viral in September 2024. Viewers around ...

In a Facebook post filled with images of Penelope, the zoo said it's the perfect time to come visit her and her round belly.

Penelope is a relatively new resident at John Ball Zoo. The zoo opened its new pygmy exhibit in June 2023 with Jahari, a male hippo. Penelope soon joined him, moving to Grand Rapids from Toronto.

The John Ball Zoo sits about 2 miles west of downtown Grand Rapids. From downtown, you can hop on the No. 12 bus to reach the zoo, but the easiest way to get there is to drive.

News Jul 3, 2025 / 12:17 PM EDT John Ball Zoo is expecting a new addition. (July 3, 2025) Penelope the pygmy hippo is pregnant, John Ball Zoo … News / Jul 3, 2025 / 12:17 PM EDT ...

The John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids is abuzz with excitement over the anticipated arrival of a pygmy hippo calf. Penelope, the zoo's female pygmy hippo, and her mate Jahari are expected to welcome ...