Near-Extinct Pygmy Hippopotamus Will Have A Chance to Make a Family in Korea

SEOUL, May 4 (Korea Bizwire) – A male pygmy hippopotamus that has been living alone at Seoul Grand Park will have a chance to extend the life of his species, as Seoul Grand Park will import a female pygmy hippopotamus from Britain’s Colchester Zoo in September.

The park brought the male from Japan in 1984, along with a female who died in January 2013. The male has since gone blind due to old age.

An NGO called ‘Noori Bodeum’ will hold a crowdfunding campaign at www.wadiz.kr/Campaign/Details/943 to raise 4 million won (US$ 3,690) to produce a special cage, which will be needed for the female’s 20 hour-long journey from Britain. The total cost of importing the female is expected to reach 45 million won (US$ 41,590).

Image Credit: Seoul Grand Park, Tambako The Jaguar/flickr / photonews@koreabizwire.com