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Under a full moon, just after the Zoo closed for the evening on February 8, 2020, female river hippo Funani gave birth to her most recent calf at the San Diego Zoo. Since then, this fast-growing baby girl has proven to be both precious and precocious.
The calf, now four month old, was named Amahle (pronounced ah-MA-shleh), a Zulu word meaning “beautiful one.” Funani’s daughter is not only beautiful, she is also adventurous, smart, and testing her boundaries every day. “Amahle is more advanced than any other calf I’ve ever dealt with,” said Jen Chapman, senior wildlife care specialist at the Zoo. “This calf has been strong and independent from her first breath. I think Funani realizes she’s got a ‘wild child’ on her hands.”
[caption id="attachment_136245" align="aligncenter" width="800"] MOM’S ALWAYS WATCHING
Funani is an experienced mom who knows how to keep her daughter out of trouble, using “teachable moments” to help Amahle learn the skills she needs to grow up strong and independent.[/caption] Perhaps all that self-confidence is understandable, given her celebrity status. Amahle appeared on national television—live from the Zoo—when she was less than a month old; her name was chosen by thousands of fans in an online vote held in conjunction with “Good Morning America”; and she’s made frequent appearances on social media—including a Facebook Live streaming event. However, Amahle has an experienced mom who knows how to keep her in line, keep her safe, and teach her what it takes to be a river hippo. “As a mom, Funani is a superstar,” Jen said. “She’s amazing. She takes every opportunity possible and makes it a teachable moment.” [youtube video=ttps://youtu.be/pL-vSjGnUe0]
Funani is an experienced mom who knows how to keep her daughter out of trouble, using “teachable moments” to help Amahle learn the skills she needs to grow up strong and independent.[/caption] Perhaps all that self-confidence is understandable, given her celebrity status. Amahle appeared on national television—live from the Zoo—when she was less than a month old; her name was chosen by thousands of fans in an online vote held in conjunction with “Good Morning America”; and she’s made frequent appearances on social media—including a Facebook Live streaming event. However, Amahle has an experienced mom who knows how to keep her in line, keep her safe, and teach her what it takes to be a river hippo. “As a mom, Funani is a superstar,” Jen said. “She’s amazing. She takes every opportunity possible and makes it a teachable moment.” [youtube video=ttps://youtu.be/pL-vSjGnUe0]
Click here to enjoy livestreaming video direct from the San Diego Zoo's Lost Forest river hippo habitat, on the new Hippo Cam presented by Mattel Playroom.