Maisy, a one-month-old Nile hippo at the Albuquerque BioPark, is growing fast and already earning praise from staff after completing her first informal "How to Hippo" lesson. The zoo issued her first report card, which she passed with flying colors. Although she tries to follow her mother Karen into the pool, her short legs still limit her swimming for now. Caregivers say she’s gaining strength and coordination every day, learning one splash at a time.
Maisy the Hippo Passes Her First 'How to Hippo' Lesson at Albuquerque BioPark
Maisy, a one-month-old Nile hippo at the Albuquerque BioPark, is growing fast and already earning praise from staff after completing her first informal "How to Hippo" lesson. The zoo issued her first report card, which she passed with flying colors. Although she tries to follow her mother Karen into the pool, her short legs still limit her swimming for now. Caregivers say she’s gaining strength and coordination every day, learning one splash at a time.
05:35 PM, 11/16/2025Lifestyle
One-month-old Maisy is already making a splash
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Meet Maisy, the Albuquerque BioPark’s one-month-old Nile hippo, who is growing quickly and already impressing staff during her informal "How to Hippo" crash course. The zoo recently issued Maisy her first report card, and handlers say she passed with flying colors.
Keeping up with her mother, Karen, remains a work in progress. Maisy eagerly tries to follow Karen into the pool, but her short legs aren’t yet long enough to keep pace. BioPark caregivers report she’s gaining strength and coordination every day and learning important behaviors — from swimming basics to social cues — one splash at a time.
What’s next: As Maisy continues to grow, staff will monitor her weight, social interactions and swimming skills, offering enrichment and care tailored to her developmental milestones. Visitors can expect regular updates from the BioPark as she reaches new milestones.
"She’s healthy, curious and full of energy — exactly what we like to see," the BioPark said in a statement.
For more updates on Maisy and other animals at the Albuquerque BioPark, follow official BioPark channels and local news outlets.