Rebecca Manzi A baby hippo has been born at Berlin Zoo, a rare event turned into a spectacle. But what kind of life awaits this animal condemned forever to captivity and growing up in the spotlight?
At Berlin Zoo, a baby hippo has been born, and as often happens, the news quickly went viral. The little one, who came into the world on September 28, is the first offspring of Nala, a thirteen-year-old female, and weighs 70 pounds (32 kilos) – slightly less than the usual 88 pounds (40 kilos) typical for newborns of this species. Experts are calling it a “rare” birth because it was a twin delivery, an event that occurs in only 1% of cases. Unfortunately, however, the sibling didn’t survive, but the little one seems to be growing well under the watchful eyes of veterinarians and, above all, the cameras.
From the miracle of life to yet another tourist attraction
On the zoo’s social media profiles, the baby has already become a little star: bath time videos, photos of ears wiggling in the water, daily weight updates. Everything perfectly packaged for the public. A cheerful, polished tone that nonetheless conceals a more complex reality: that of captivity. Because behind every cute post lies a wild animal confined to an artificial habitat, exposed to lights, noises, and lenses. It’s hard not to wonder whether it’s right to celebrate a natural event in such an unnatural context.
The paradox of conservation in captivity
Modern zoos love to present themselves as conservation centers, but the line between that and spectacle remains thin. In the case of Berlin’s baby hippo, every update also serves to generate visibility, engagement, and ticket sales. Meanwhile, the message that comes across is clear: animals, even newborns, become content to be shared.
Yet in nature, a baby hippo wouldn’t have cameras pointed at it or enthusiastic visitors behind glass. It would have only the river, the silence, and continuous contact with its herd. A freedom that no enclosure, however spacious or well-maintained, can truly replicate. Perhaps the real “miracle” isn’t the birth of another calf behind bars, but imagining a future where there’s no longer any need for it.
(English below) Badeaction bei unserem Happy Hippo! Neben Kuscheln mit Mama und ausgiebigen Nickerchen ist Baden die Lieblingsbeschäftigung unseres kleinen Flusspferds. Während Mama Nala und ihr Nachwuchs noch ihre ruhige Zeit allein genießen, tobt der Kleine fröhlich durchs Wasserbecken … natürlich darf das berühmte Öhrchenwackeln nicht fehlen!💦Das Jungtier wiegt momentan 32 Kilo, noch etwas weniger als die üblichen 40 Kilo bei Neugeborenen, aber er nimmt stetig zu und wird von seiner Mama Nala fürsorglich umsorgt. 🦛 Zu sehen ist der Nachwuchs momentan zwar noch nicht, aber keine Sorge: Wir besuchen den Kleinen regelmäßig, damit ihr weiterhin mit frischem Hippo-Content versorgt bleibt! 😄Bath time fun with our Happy Hippo! In addition to cuddling with mom and taking long naps, bathing is our little hippo’s favorite activity. While mama Nala and her baby are still enjoying some quiet time together, the little one is already splashing around happily in the pool and of course, the famous ear-wiggling can’t be missed! 💦The youngster currently weighs 32 kilos, a bit less than the usual 40 kilos for newborns but he’s steadily gaining weight and being lovingly cared for by his mom Nala. 🦛 You can’t see the baby just yet, but don’t worry: we’re visiting the little one regularly so you can keep getting your dose of fresh hippo content! 😄
Posted by Zoo Berlin on Friday, October 10, 2025
Source: Berlin Zoo/Facebook
