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Arizona Zoo's Pygmy Hippo Calf 'Jellybean' Goes Viral After Public Naming

The zoo is using the calf’s fast-rising profile to push awareness of endangered pygmy hippo conservation.

Overview

  • Jellybean’s name won a public vote with 81.3% support over other candy-themed options, capping a week of online buzz.
  • Born January 22, the calf weighed 11 pounds at birth and was last reported at 33 pounds, according to updates cited from TODAY.
  • Zoo President Kristy Hayden introduced Jellybean on NBC’s TODAY on February 23, further boosting national attention.
  • Visitors have surged to Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park, with staff reporting crowds at the enclosure and strong mother–calf bonding.
  • Pygmy hippos are endangered with roughly 2,500 in the wild, and the zoo says it aims to channel Jellybean’s popularity into conservation awareness.