On August 21, 2026, the Toronto Zoo announced that its newborn pygmy hippopotamus has been given the name Maple. The official naming took place at the zoo’s facilities in Toronto, Ontario, and the name will be used in all future references to the animal.
The baby pygmy hippo, the sole newborn currently at the zoo, arrived earlier in the year and has been the focus of staff attention and public interest. The naming ceremony marks the completion of the initial period following the animal’s arrival, during which the zoo prepared to introduce the young hippo to its new environment.
Maple is the first pygmy hippopotamus to be named at the Toronto Zoo since the institution began caring for the species. The animal joins the existing collection of wildlife at the zoo, which includes a range of mammals, birds and reptiles, and will be displayed in the area designated for small African mammals.
The Toronto Zoo, located in the city of Toronto, Ontario, continues to expand its animal population through births and acquisitions. The addition of a newborn pygmy hippo reflects the zoo’s ongoing efforts to support the conservation and public education of lesser‑known species. Staff members responsible for the care of the hippo have reported that the young animal is healthy and adapting well to its enclosure.
The name Maple will appear on signage throughout the zoo and in educational materials, allowing visitors to identify the new resident by name. The zoo encourages guests to learn more about the species and its natural habitat as part of the visitor experience.