In a delightful turn of events, a new resident at the city zoo has captured the hearts of visitors and staff alike: a chubby-cheeked, wide-eyed baby hippopotamus that seems to have one adorable flaw—it absolutely hates taking baths.
Yes, you read that right. While most hippos are known for spending the majority of their time wallowing in water, this unexpectedly water-shy calf has taken everyone by surprise by showing an odd dislike for bath time. The young hippo’s quirky personality has already made it a viral sensation, and the zoo is now embracing its star with both curiosity and care.
🦛 A Splashy Arrival—Minus the Splash
The calf, born just a few weeks ago, was introduced to the public after a healthy delivery and initial period of bonding with its mother. Staff were eager to see the calf take its first swim—a moment that usually delights zookeepers and visitors alike. But instead of happily splashing into the water like most hippos, this little one hesitated, stomped its feet, and gave a series of discontented snorts.
“It was the cutest thing we’ve ever seen,” laughed Dr. Carla Nguyen, the zoo’s head veterinarian. “We expected a little nervousness, but this calf outright refused to get in. It tiptoed around the pool like it was lava.”
💦 Breaking the Hippo Stereotype
Hippopotamuses are semi-aquatic by nature. They spend most of their day submerged in water to keep cool under the blazing sun and to protect their sensitive skin. In fact, bathing and water time are essential for their health and well-being.
So why would a baby hippo avoid the very element it’s supposed to love?
Zookeepers say the calf might just need more time. “It’s not that the hippo hates water entirely,” said Megan Robles, senior animal care specialist. “It just doesn’t enjoy the bath process—being nudged, guided, or coaxed into the water. It wants to do things its own way and on its own schedule. Classic baby behavior, really!”
📹 Viral Moments & Global Fans
Once the zoo released a short video clip of the baby hippo’s bath-time tantrum—complete with dramatic pouting, wiggling, and stomping—the internet did the rest. Within hours, the footage went viral on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The hippo’s expressive face and comical refusal to get wet turned into a meme-worthy moment.
“He’s basically the toddler of the animal kingdom right now,” one Twitter user joked. “Mood: not today, water.”
The zoo has since leaned into the fame, affectionately referring to the calf as “Sir Wigglebottom” online and posting regular updates to fans who are eager to know whether bath time has become any more agreeable.
🧼 A Gentle Approach to Bath Time
Despite the laughs and viral fame, the zookeepers are approaching the situation with sensitivity. Bathing is vital to a young hippo’s health, especially to avoid skin dryness and to prevent infections. So, they’re introducing positive reinforcement techniques, adding playful elements like floating toys, warm water, and even playing calming music during bath attempts.
“We want him to associate water with fun and relaxation,” said Dr. Nguyen. “It’s about patience and trust. We don’t force him. We let him come close, explore, and step in at his own pace.”
And it’s working—slowly. This week, Sir Wigglebottom dipped one toe into the shallow end before backing away, but it was progress. “We’re hopeful,” the team said, laughing. “He’s stubborn, but very, very cute.”
🏡 A New Star is Born
While bath time may still be a work in progress, the little hippo is thriving in every other aspect. He’s eating well, bonding closely with his mother, and gaining weight steadily. His playful personality, from chasing butterflies to nosing around zookeepers’ boots, is quickly making him the zoo’s most beloved attraction.
Visitors now flock daily, hoping to catch a glimpse of the baby hippo and maybe, just maybe, witness the magical moment when he finally willingly takes the plunge.
💖 The Takeaway
In a world full of stress and seriousness, the bath-hating baby hippo offers something simple yet profound—pure, heartwarming joy. Whether he ends up loving the water or not, one thing’s for certain: Sir Wigglebottom has already made a big splash in our hearts.
So next time you’re near the zoo, stop by and say hi. Just don’t expect any bubble baths—you might be met with a snort and a waddle in the other direction.
