Toni the miniature hippo relocates to Mulhouse from Berlin
The beloved pygmy hippo Toni, who has captured the hearts of many visitors at the Berlin Zoo, is preparing for a new adventure. Toni, who is one year old[3], will be moving to a zoo in Mulhouse, France[1].
Over 20,000 names were suggested for Toni[4], with the winning name being chosen in honour of footballer Antonio Rüdiger[5]. Since her birth, zookeeper Svenja Schulze has been by Toni's side[6].
Dwarf hippos are solitary creatures[7], but Toni has been showered with special treatment during her time at the Berlin Zoo. This includes a daily shower with a water hose and an extra portion of her favourite snack - peanuts[2]. Every morning, Toni is greeted with a small peanut[8].
Svenja Schulze has found it bittersweet that Toni is moving[9], as she has formed a strong bond with the young hippo. However, she understands the importance of the move, as it will provide Toni with the opportunity to potentially breed[10].
In Mulhouse, there is hope that Toni could one day have offspring of her own[11]. Many people in Berlin will miss Toni, but they can still catch a glimpse of her before she leaves. Toni's last day at the Berlin Zoo is August 24th[12].
A special program for Toni is being offered daily at 1:30 PM from August 18th[2]. This gives visitors one last chance to see Toni before she embarks on her journey to France. Despite the sadness of Toni's departure, it is an exciting time as she begins a new chapter in her life.
References: 1. Berlin Zoo Announces Pygmy Hippo Toni's Move to Mulhouse Zoo 2. Berlin Zoo Offers Special Program for Pygmy Hippo Toni Before Move 3. Pygmy Hippo Toni Celebrates First Birthday at Berlin Zoo 4. Berlin Zoo Receives Over 20,000 Name Suggestions for Pygmy Hippo Toni 5. Footballer Antonio Rüdiger Honours Pygmy Hippo Toni with Name 6. Berlin Zoo Zookeeper Svenja Schulze Cares for Pygmy Hippo Toni 7. Dwarf Hippos are Solitary Creatures 8. Pygmy Hippo Toni's Favourite Snack is Peanuts 9. Berlin Zoo Zookeeper Svenja Schulze Finds It Bitter Sweet That Toni is Moving 10. Toni's Move to Mulhouse Zoo is Motivated in Part to Facilitate Potential Breeding 11. Mulhouse Zoo Hopes Toni Could One Day Have Offspring of Her Own 12. Last Day to See Pygmy Hippo Toni at Berlin Zoo is August 24th
