A baby pygmy hippo was born at Virginia's Metro Richmond Zoo in December in another viral birth for the endangered species. Metro Richmond ZooThe world is getting another Moo Deng. On December 9, the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia welcomed a newborn female pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis). After some time being raised behind the scenes, the youngster made her public debut this week.Shes a curious and brave little pygmy hippo, Jan Lopez, lead zookeeper at the Metro Richmond Zoo, says to WAVYs Allison Williams. And already, the baby is showing her personality: She sometimes has her little zoomies, and shell hop around.Thailands own baby pygmy hippo named Moo Deng won hearts around the world last year. Videos of the hippos sassy personality and bouncy antics went viral in September, aided by her zookeeper at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo sharing daily footage of her on Instagram. Then, another newborn pygmy hippo named Haggis skyrocketed to fame at the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland.As for the latest baby, I hope she becomes the next Moo Deng, Lopez tells Kyle Swenson of the Washington Post.Baby Pygmy Hippo Born Just Before ChristmasWatch on Theadorable pygmy hippo calf is the third one born to parents Iris and Corwin in the last four and a half years, according to a statement from the Metro Richmond Zoo. The delivery was distinctive, because it marked the first time that Iris, the pygmy hippos mother, gave birth in the enclosures pool. That was unique, Lopez says to the Washington Post. The species can give birth in water or on land. But the birth went very smoothly. They immediately started the bonding process.Many keepers were present, and a few zoo guests even witnessed the miraculous birth, according to the zoos statement. The babys natural instincts kicked in, and she started moving around in the water immediately.Five days after her birth, the zoo gave the baby hippo a health exam and determined she was female, weighing a healthy 15 pounds. Full-grown pygmy hippos can reach between 350 to 600 pounds. The young female hippo weighed 15 pounds at a health exam five days after her birth. Metro Richmond ZooWhile she doesnt yet have a name, the zoo has launched an online poll where voters worldwide can give their input on what the baby should be called. During the first round, voters could choose between four potential names: Poppy, Omi, Juniper and Hammie Mae. Since a clear winning name was not decided, the zoo opened a second round of voting. Now, its a run-off between Poppy and Hammie Mae. Poppy was chosen as an option because its a type of flower, like her mothers name, and Hammie Mae is a southern tie to Virginia ham. The final voting deadline is January 4 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, with the winning name to be announced on January 6.Pygmy hippos are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with less than 2,499 mature individuals left. They are found in forests, savannas and wetlands of West Africa. Habitat loss and hunting have decimated their population numbers. Although endangered, pygmy hippos breed well in captivity.The viral baby hippos lovable characteristics, such as their blushing cheeks and shiny skin, are caused by secretions called blood sweat. Blood sweat is a pink fluid that pygmy hippos ooze out to keep cool in humid climates and to protect their skin from sunburns. It also gives the hippos their slick appearance.Baby hippos are really the coolest things, Lopez tells the Washington Post.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Animals, Baby Animals, Conservation, Endangered Species, Internet, Mammals, Thailand, Trending Today, Weird Animals, Zoology