Editor:
Presscouncil City of Chemnitz
Pressrelease: 619

Dwarf hippopotamus offspring delivered to Tenerife

Public Sunday tour on 16 September

Malela mit Petty
Picture: Tierpark Chemnitz/Anja Dube

The pygmy hippos at Chemnitz Zoo were relocated last week. The young animal Malela was handed over to Tenerife Zoo, Loro Parque. Malela was born at Chemnitz Zoo on 4 April 2016 and was raised by her mother, Petty. It was her third offspring. At the age of two, she had recently become somewhat rebellious towards her mother, so it was high time to find her a new home. The cub was first taken to Frankfurt Airport in a specially made transport box, from where it was then flown to Tenerife. Malela arrived safe and sound and has already moved into her new enclosure.

Transporting animals is standard practice in zoological facilities and is important for the genetic diversity of species. This also prevents the extinction of particularly endangered species. The exchange of animals ultimately serves to protect and conserve species, one of the most important tasks of zoological institutions.

Malela in Loro Parque
Picture: Zoo Loro Parque

Public Sunday guided tour
On Sunday 16 September at 3 pm, there will be a public guided tour on the subject of "Sexuality in the animal kingdom". Animals have a great diversity and not everything is just for reproduction. The questions of how, where and why will be addressed here. The tour lasts approx. 60 minutes and participation is free of charge. Only the entrance fee is payable. Pre-booking is not required. The meeting point is at the lion enclosure at the entrance to the zoo.