World Hippo Day

In honor of World Hippo Day, we’re hosting a full day of hippo fun for fans of all ages! 

Included with general Zoo admission. No additional purchase or reservation is required for Zoo members.
All events take place inside the Tropical Forest. Last admission is at 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy special enrichment, educator chats, hands-on discovery stations, fun trivia, and creative crafts, all focused on pygmy hippos and how you can be a hero for hippos.

🦛 Schedule of Activities

9:30 a.m. | Hippo Enrichment
Watch as our pygmy hippos enjoy special enrichment and treats.

10:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Hippo Chat: Meet Our Hippo Family
Franklin Park Zoo is home to three pygmy hippos—Cleopatra, Inocencio, and Ptolemy. Learn about each of them and how Zoo New England is helping protect their species. 
Get a head start! Visit our Kids’ Corner for fun facts about our hippo family!

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Hippo Discovery Station
Play our hippo matching game to explore the differences between pygmy and river hippos, and get a closer look at amazing hippo biofacts.

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Hippo Crafts
Get hands-on with fun, hippo-themed crafts.

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Hippo Discovery Station
Test your hippo knowledge with trivia and learn how this elusive species is studied in the wild.

2:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Hippo Chat
Discover what makes pygmy hippos so unique, their role in healthy ecosystems, and how we can all be hippo heroes by helping protect their habitats.

💕 Cleo’s Snuggles & Print

Fall in love with a one-of-a-kind Valentine from Cleopatra, Franklin Park Zoo's pygmy hippo! This Valentine’s Day special includes a cuddly hippo plush paired with an exclusive print created by Cleo herself. Order online, or while supplies last, purchase your package in person on February 15 from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. inside the Tropical Forest Pavilion during our World Hippo Day Celebration. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Orders and full details