Meet the Pygmy Hippos Moto Moto & Gloria
Moto Moto and Gloria may be small for hippos, but they’ve got big personalities! These adorable, elusive creatures belong to a completely different species from the common hippopotamus. Unlike their larger cousins, pygmy hippos are much more solitary, secretive, and prefer the quiet of dense forests over crowded riverbanks.
Native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, pygmy hippos like Moto Moto and Gloria are critically endangered in the wild, with fewer than 3,000 individuals estimated to remain. Their biggest threats are habitat loss and poaching — making conservation efforts and education vital to their survival.
Moto Moto and Gloria are part of that effort, helping guests connect with and learn about one of the rarest and most unique animals in the world.
About Pygmy Hippos
Common Name | Pygmy Hippo |
|---|---|
Scientific Name | Choeropsis liberiensis |
Habitat | Swamps, rivers, and forests of West Africa (primarily Liberia) |
Diet | Herbivore – feeds on leaves, roots, ferns, and fruits |
Lifespan | 30 to 35 years in human care |
Weight | 350–600 lbs |
Height | About 2.5–3.3 feet tall at the shoulder |
Length | Around 5–6 feet long |
Conservation Status | Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) |
Fun Facts About Moto Moto & Gloria
Pygmy hippos are shy and secretive — which makes getting to know Moto Moto and Gloria even more special!
These hippos are more terrestrial than their larger relatives, spending a lot of time foraging in forested areas.
Their skin produces a natural “blood sweat” — a pinkish fluid that acts as sunscreen and moisturizer.
Despite being hippos, they’re not fans of deep water and prefer shallow streams or mud wallows.
With fewer than 3,000 left in the wild, Moto Moto and Gloria are ambassadors for conservation efforts around the world.
