# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DdgzJYdiIw2
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70750988-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/0af21cfc00.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-20T14:28:30.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

#Maple: 🎷🦛💨

Wondering about that little twitch? Brief twitching or little full-body shivers in a pygmy hippo calf like Maple can be perfectly normal, especially when they occur during moments of high excitement, play, anticipation, or even while she is resting or sleeping 🦛🍁

In fact, young pygmy hippos develop their coordination and learn how to respond to everything around them. Calves are naturally energetic and playful, with playful behaviours occasionally happening between calves and their mothers. 

Mammals like pygmy hippos can also display quick, involuntary muscle movements when highly stimulated. So if a calf like Maple gives a quick twitch, wiggle, hop or shiver when she becomes excited, particularly around Mom, food, water, enrichment or something interesting in her environment, it can simply be part of that youthful exuberance!

Have you visited with Maple as yet? Zoo members and guests visiting your Toronto Zoo can now say hi to Maple and mom Kindia from 10:00am – 2:00pm* daily.

*As always, Maple calls the shots! Viewing times are subject to change depending on the needs of Kindia and her calf. 

While visiting, we encourage you to keep your voices low within the African Rainforest Pavilion and to give mom and calf plenty of space. Thank you for helping us maintain a calm, comfortable environment as Maple continues to explore her world alongside mom 💚 #GuardiansofPygmyHippos

## Stats

- **Views:** 274,903
- **Likes:** 26,249
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 163

## Tags

maple, guardiansofpygmyhippos

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