Kobushi

Meet Kobushi: Ueno Zoo’s Newborn Pygmy Hippo and Symbol of New Beginnings Kobushi, the baby pygmy hippo born on March 14, 2025, at Ueno Zoo, got her name through a public vote. She won with 1,720 votes, just 10 more than the second choice, Tsukushi. Her name likely comes from the Kobushi magnolia, a flower that blooms in early spring and stands for new beginnings—a perfect fit for this adorable new arrival. Fun Fact: Pygmy hippos are endangered, with only about 2,000–3,000 left in the wild. Kobushi is expected to grow up to 400–600 pounds and is an important part of Ueno Zoo’s conservation efforts to protect this rare species.