Health reporter Natasha May’s love for pygmy hippos has been reignited recently as videos of a baby pygmy hippo named Moo Deng went viral, garnering millions of fans worldwide. However, May’s admiration for these adorable creatures began over 15 years ago when she first encountered Monifa, the first pygmy hippopotamus born at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in 23 years.
At just 11 years old, May was captivated by Monifa’s unique features and begged her parents for a pygmy hippo of her own, receiving a newspaper clipping of Monifa in lieu of the real thing. Five years later, May had the opportunity to work with Monifa during a school work experience placement at the zoo’s pygmy hippo enclosure.
May fondly recalls her experiences caring for Monifa, from rubbing her body and learning about her natural sunscreen to cutting up her food and cleaning her enclosure. Despite the viral fame of baby pygmy hippos, May’s devotion to these animals has remained steadfast over the years.
Now, as the world joins in celebrating the magnificence of pygmy hippos, May takes solace in knowing that her love for these animals will endure beyond the viral moment. She continues to visit the pygmy hippos at Taronga Zoo on her birthday, cherishing the connection she has formed with these special creatures.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
