Furtastic Series Banner

Tony the baby hippopotamus is our new prince, America

The baby hippo at the San Diego Zoo is called Tony.
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The San Diego Zoo announced the birth of a newborn hippopotamus back in September. And now we finally know the young calf is a boy and his name is Tony. Oh, and our sweet Tony is also the adorable crowned prince of the zoo -- nay, the country.

Tony is the twelfth hippo born to his mother and father, Funani and Otis, according to the San Diego Zoo. But he's the number one hippo in our hearts (well, maybe number two after Fiona).

In just a couple months, Tony has already embraced his best life.

On his first day Tony, was getting around the water with a little help from his mom.

When Tony was a week old, he was hanging around the shallow end of the pool.

He had a photoshoot with his mom, Funani.

His mother tucked him in for bed.

Tony's aquatic lessons went swimmingly.

Tony likes to follow his mom around, even though he can't eat pumpkins yet.

Here's a throwback to when Tony was only a week old and could barely stay afloat.

Thank you for being you, Tony.

Topics Animals

Mashable Potato

More from Furtastic

Recommended For You

The internet is rooting for this abandoned baby monkey and his stuffed animal
a baby Japanese macaque monkey


How to watch Club America vs. Olimpia online for free
Allan Saint-Maximin #97 of the América celebrates


Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.


NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!