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From Blanding’s turtle hatchlings to a Bactrian camel calf—every new birth at the Toronto Zoo is a moment worth celebrating—and we’ve had a lot to celebrate in 2026. 

The arrival of any new animal brings excitement, curiosity, and sometimes a viral moment—but each birth also represents something much bigger.  

Species are disappearing at an alarming rate, and as one of the largest Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited Zoos in Canada, each birth is a powerful reminder of what expert care, conservation leadership, and generous donor support can make possible—ensuring at-risk species have a brighter future.  

That is what made the arrival of endangered pygmy hippo calf, Maple, especially meaningful. Her birth is not only a joyful milestone for her dedicated Wildlife Care team and the Toronto Zoo community, but also a powerful reminder of the role accredited zoos play in supporting species survival. 

A Sweet Moment for an Endangered Species

The birth of Maple is part of a much larger conservation story. The Toronto Zoo proudly participates in the AZA Pygmy Hippo Species Survival Plan® (SSP®), a cooperative program that brings accredited zoos and conservation organizations across North America together to support the long-term future of this endangered species. Through the SSP®, pygmy hippos under human care are carefully paired based on genetics, health, and long-term population sustainability, helping to maintain a strong, diverse population for generations to come. 

Kindia was introduced to Harvey in January, and that introduction resulted in her pregnancy. While this was exciting news for their Wildlife Care team, it also came with cautious optimism, as calf survival can be challenging for this species — making every healthy milestone since then significant.

Maple was born to mom Kindia and dad Harvey on Sunday, August 2 at the Toronto Zoo. Since her arrival, Kindia has proven to be an attentive and protective mother, keeping her curious newborn tucked safely beneath her. While Maple, Kindia, and Harvey may be the only three pygmy hippos living in Canada, Maple is actually Kindia’s third offspring.

Many from the Toronto Zoo community likely remember Kindia’s daughter Penelope, who was born at the Zoo in 2018. Penelope has since moved to John Ball Zoo, where she welcomed a calf of her own, Hugo — yet another example of accredited zoos collaborating to ensure a future for endangered species.  

Safeguarding Pygmy Hippos for the Future

With fewer than 3,000 pygmy hippos estimated to remain in the wild, a birth like Maple’s is a major milestone for the species. Native to the dense forests and wetlands of West Africa, pygmy hippos depend on wild, undisturbed habitats to survive. But commercial logging, mining, agriculture, human settlement, and hunting continue to fragment their range, leaving wild populations increasingly vulnerable in a rapidly changing landscape.

Protecting wildlife starts with us. And, at the Toronto Zoo, that responsibility is at the heart of everything we do. 

To support conservation efforts for generations to come, the Toronto Zoo is now home to the most diverse living-cell wildlife cryobank in Canada—playing a critical role in global wildlife conservation for endangered species like the pygmy hippo.  

Today, Canada’s Wildlife Cryobank at the Toronto Zoo houses frozen living cells and tissues from more than 100 species, including the pygmy hippo. By preserving sperm, eggs, embryos, and other vital genetic materials from at-risk species, the Zoo is helping strengthen long-term survival, and donor support helps to make this work possible. 

A Shared Moment of Hope

Maple is now viewable to Toronto Zoo guests and continues to leave a lasting impression on everyone who sees her—both in person and online. Her name celebrates the country that has embraced her and the shared pride she has inspired from coast to coast. 

Much like the maple leaf, Maple has quickly become a symbol of connection, resilience, and hope. Maple, Kindia and Harvey are ambassadors for their wild counterparts, bringing attention to the pressures facing pygmy hippos in the wild and the urgent need for action to save this elusive species.  

Since her birth, the love and encouragement from the Toronto Zoo community have been overwhelming in the best possible way.  

Their future is uncertain. But together, we can change that. To support the future of this remarkable calf and endangered wildlife like her, click here.