The San Diego Zoo is home to a captivating pair of hippopotamuses, Funani and her calf, Amahle, who have recently captured the hearts of visitors. As a Zoo Touring Enthusiast, I’m excited to share a comprehensive guide on these remarkable creatures and their habitat at the renowned San Diego Zoo.
Hippo Habitat at San Diego Zoo
The hippo habitat at the San Diego Zoo has recently undergone a remarkable renovation, which was completed on March 13, 2024. The new and improved habitat now serves as the home for Funani, a female hippopotamus, and her calf, Amahle, who was born on February 8, 2020, under the light of a full moon.
The renovated habitat features a spacious and well-designed enclosure that provides the hippos with ample room to roam, swim, and engage in their natural behaviors. The habitat includes a large pool of water, which is essential for the hippos’ aquatic lifestyle, as well as lush vegetation and a variety of enrichment items to stimulate their curiosity and promote natural behaviors.
Hippo Diet and Adaptations
Hippos at the San Diego Zoo are well-cared for and provided with a balanced and nutritious diet. Their daily meals consist of a variety of herbivore pellets, alfalfa and Bermuda hay, lettuce, and mixed vegetables. On special occasions, they are treated to the delightful addition of melons, which they seem to thoroughly enjoy.
These remarkable creatures are incredibly well-adapted for life in the water. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are strategically positioned on the top of their heads, allowing them to see, hear, and breathe while the majority of their body remains submerged. This adaptation enables them to spend extended periods of time in the water, where they can comfortably rest, socialize, and escape the heat.
Visiting San Diego Zoo Hippos
Visitors to the San Diego Zoo can observe the captivating Funani and Amahle at the Zoo’s Urban Jungle exhibit. This immersive and engaging habitat allows guests to witness the hippos’ natural behaviors, such as swimming, wallowing, and interacting with one another.
The San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101, and is open every day of the year, including holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. One-day admission for adults (ages 12 and up) is $62, while children (ages 3-11) pay $52.
Hours and Rates
| Admission Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (ages 12 and up) | $62 |
| Child (ages 3-11) | $52 |
The San Diego Zoo is open every day of the year, including holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Contact Information
For general inquiries about the San Diego Zoo and its hippo exhibit, visitors can reach the zoo at (619) 231-1515.