Liberia: Orphaned Baby Hippo Toto Rescued in Liberia’s Grebo-Krahn National Park

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Conservation teams have conducted a successful rescue operation to save an orphaned baby hippo, now named Toto, who was discovered stranded in a drying mud pool deep within Liberia’s Grebo-Krahn National Park.

This remote national park, located across Grand Gedeh and River Gee Counties, is managed by Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority and is known for its rich biodiversity, housing over 300 animal species, including endangered and critically endangered species like the Western Chimpanzee, Diana Monkey, King Colobus, and the Pygmy Hippopotamus.

Toto, a young pygmy hippo, was first observed from the air by conservationists conducting a routine wildlife survey. After several days of monitoring, the team confirmed that the calf was indeed orphaned and in immediate danger.

Stuck in thick mud and surrounded by a quickly drying pool, Toto’s situation became critical, and it was clear that intervention was necessary to save his life. The remote and challenging terrain of Grebo-Krahn National Park made the rescue complex, requiring the expertise of local wildlife rescuers and the assistance of helicopter pilot Andrew Francombe, who was able to reach the area.

After Toto was carefully extracted from the mud and wrapped in wet blankets to prevent dehydration, the team transported him to a nearby field station for medical assessment and stabilization. Conservation officials are now assessing options for Toto’s long-term care to ensure he receives the nurturing environment he needs.

One possibility being considered is relocating Toto to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand. Known for its expertise in caring for orphaned and rescued animals, Khao Kheow Open Zoo has expressed interest in providing a permanent home for Toto. Plans at the zoo would include a dedicated habitat with a shaded pool designed to simulate his natural environment and support his physical and social development.