On January 21st, Hanoi Zoo organized an award ceremony for the “Name the Hippo” contest, marking a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts in Vietnam. This event not only captured the community’s attention but also conveyed an important message about protecting endangered species.
Naming Contest for the Hippo: A Message on Wildlife Conservation
The “Name the Hippo” contest was launched at the end of December 2023 after Hanoi Zoo received a female hippo from Da Nam Zoo (Binh Duong). The hippo gave birth to its calf on July 23, 2024, bringing great joy to staff and animal lovers alike. According to Mr. Le Si Dung, Chairman of Hanoi Zoo Joint Stock Company, the contest aimed not only to find a fitting name but also to raise awareness about the importance of conservation, particularly through translocation—moving protected animals out of their natural habitats for care and nurturing.
Healthy hippo calf at Hanoi Zoo (Photo: Thanh Dong).
Over a month after the launch, the organizing committee received more than 400 eligible entries, reflecting the strong impact of the contest. Mr. Dung emphasized that naming the hippo calf provided an opportunity to convey the message of conservation through translocation.
Special Prize Goes to “Man Ma”
The organizing committee awarded the special prize to Nguyen Hong Minh (8 years old, Dong Anh District, Hanoi) for her entry “Man Ma,” which became the official name of the hippo calf starting January 21st.
Nguyen Hong Minh (8 years old) won the special prize with her entry “Man Ma” (Photo: To Sa).
Representing her daughter, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Huong shared her happiness and surprise at winning the award. She explained: “‘Man’ represents Vietnam, while ‘Ma’ symbolizes strength, power, and grandeur, reflecting the rising stature of our country.”
In addition to the special prize, the organizing committee also awarded four runner-up prizes:
- Most Impressive Name: “Phong Ha” by Nguyen Ha Vi.
- Cutest Name: “Mum” by Le Tuan Khang.
- Funniest Name: “Swamp Prince” by Do Dak Khoi.
- Most Meaningful Name: “Ha Bao” by Nguyen Thi Thu Hong.
Special Care for Mother and Calf
Mr. Pham Ngoc Anh, Team Leader of the Elephant-Hippopotamus Breeding Team at No.1 Animal Husbandry and Development Enterprise, stated that both the mother and calf are under 24/7 monitoring and special care. The team, consisting of 11 members including a veterinarian, takes turns ensuring the best health for both animals.
Mr. Le Si Dung, Chairman of Hanoi Zoo Joint Stock Company (Photo: Son Nguyen).
The mother hippo is provided with a nutritious diet of elephant grass, vegetables, fruits, and roots at fixed times: 10 AM, 2 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM. Additionally, vitamins and supplements are added to ensure high-quality milk for the calf.
Currently, Hanoi Zoo is caring for a total of 4 hippos, including 3 adult females and one male calf. Welcoming this new member is not only a source of joy but also a motivation for the staff to continue their conservation efforts.
Conclusion
“Hippopotamus Calf Man Ma” is not just a symbol of success in wildlife conservation but also an inspiration for the community to protect endangered species. Visit Hanoi Zoo to see the healthy and adorable calf up close!
Source: dantri.com.vn
