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Berlin internet star Toni, the mini hippo, is moving to Mulhouse!
The pygmy hippopotamus Toni moves from the Berlin Zoo to Mulhouse after becoming an internet star. Transport went smoothly.
Berlin internet star Toni, the mini hippo, is moving to Mulhouse!
The pygmy hippopotamus Toni has successfully moved from the Berlin Zoo to Mulhouse, France. According to a statement from the Berlin Zoo, the transport went smoothly and relaxed, which is primarily due to the good preparation and the special transport equipment provided by Kottmeyer GmbH & Co. KG. This company is known for its special transport of animals and works closely with the Interzoo company to provide the animals with the best possible care during transport. This includes, among other things, the transport of elephants and rhinos from zoo to zoo or to airports, always focusing on the animals' well-being.
Toni lived in Berlin with her mother Debbie until the end of August 2023. The zoo management explained that it was time to find Toni her own territory. Since pygmy hippos are solitary animals, the mother's interest in her young gradually decreased. In Mulhouse, Toni will now live in a newly built facility for pygmy hippos. This was created especially for the reception of Toni, who is celebrated as an internet star. The last day of the visit to Berlin, August 24th, attracted many people who gave little Toni a warm farewell.
On a new adventure in France
In Mulhouse, a male mini hippo named Voobadee has already been brought into the new facility, which strengthens hopes for future offspring. Toni could therefore have her own offspring in the next two years. At the same time, Toni has not only conquered the hearts of zoo visitors in recent months, but also numerous Internet users. Her first dives and her birthday were watched by millions of people.
Toni was named after the central defender Antonio Rüdiger and experienced a very special birth on June 3, 2024, as pygmy hippos are considered “endangered”. The Berlin Zoo received over 20,000 name suggestions from all over the world for the young animal, which further underlines Toni's popularity.
The new facility in Mulhouse is an important step in the conservation breeding of this rare animal species. The zoo in Mulhouse and the French zookeepers warmly welcome Toni and look forward to observing the development of the little pygmy hippopotamus.
A new phase of life is now beginning for Toni, which has the potential to continue not only her own history, but also that of the entire species, whose protection and survival within the zoos is of great importance.