The name Brötchen was chosen because of a growing trend of giving animals fun food-inspired names. Her round and fluffy appearance makes the name even more fitting.
Berlin Zoo has used similar names before. One of its most famous pygmy hippos was named Bulette, which means “meatball” in German. Bulette became a favorite among zoo visitors before passing away in 2005.
Zoo officials say these fun names help people remember the animals and create a stronger connection with visitors, especially children.
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Brötchen is also reaching an important stage of development. Although many people think hippos are strong swimmers, pygmy hippos do not actually swim. Instead, they move through water by pushing themselves off the bottom and floating gently.
Videos of the adorable baby hippo have quickly spread across social media, with many users sharing their reactions.
One person wrote, “That’s such a cute name for a little hippo. Bread roll fits perfectly.”
Another commented, “The name alone made me smile. She is absolutely adorable.”
A third user joked, “It’s funny to think that one day there will be a huge hippo named Brötchen.”
As Brötchen continues to grow and explore her surroundings, she is quickly becoming one of the most popular attractions at the zoo.