A PIGMY HIPPO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19761, 12 April 1926, Page 12

A PIGMY HIPPO.

LONDON ZOO CURIOSITY. The recent arrivals at the London Zoological Gardens include a full-grown male pigmy hippopotamus from the almost inaccessible swamp regions of Liberia. Just before the war, Carl Hagenbeek, a German animal dealer, organised an expedition with the purpose of capturing some living specimens. He was successful, and two were purchased from him by the Duke of Hcdford, who presented them to the London Zoo. One of this pair, a female, is still alive and active, and will no doubt be pleased to have the new specimen as a companion. The disparity in size between the pigmy hippopotamus and the common hippopotamus is very remarkable, says the Daily Telegraph. The former is barely 30 in in height and weighs oi;!y 5501 b, whilst the latter may measure nearly sft in height, and attain a weight of over 601 b. A full-grown specimen of the pigmy hippopotamus is, in fact, equal in size to that of a year-old baby hippoi'>otaiiius of the common form. Anart from its smaller size, the pigmy hippopotamus differs from the common hippopotamus in a rounder head, ntuch longer legs and tail, and in the eyes not protruding iiy the manner characteristic of its only living relative.