Dehiwala Zoo names hippo calf Momo after children's competition

The Dehiwala Zoological Gardens formally introduced its latest resident, a young Nile hippopotamus named Momo, during a special ceremony held at the facility on Thursday (1) November. The naming announcement formed part of the zoo's World Children's Day celebrations, recognising the significant role children played in selecting the calf's identity.

Momo was chosen from nearly 1,000 names submitted through a public competition organised specifically for children. The Department of National Zoological Gardens facilitated the naming process, which generated substantial participation from young residents eager to help christen the zoo's newest addition.

The birth of the hippo calf represents a notable milestone for the Dehiwala Zoo's breeding programme. Hippopotamuses, native to Africa, remain among the zoo's most popular attractions, drawing visitors who observe the animals' aquatic and terrestrial behaviours.

The ceremony highlighted the zoo's commitment to engaging the broader community, particularly younger audiences, in conservation awareness and animal husbandry initiatives. The facility continues to serve as a key educational resource for wildlife appreciation in Sri Lanka.