ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

The online poll has closed, the votes are all in and the BioPark's newest baby hippo is named Maisy.

The public was invited to cast votes online and to choose one of four options: Maisy, Magdelena (Maggie), Chama or Pearl.

The calf's gender wasn't immediately known after its mother, Karen, gave birth, but soon after it was determined to be female, and mother and daughter have reportedly been getting along swimmingly — literally, with much of the time spent in water.

The baby goes onto land with Karen during feeding time, when she is also able to strengthen her legs. Although hippos nurse for at least a year or longer, BioPark animal care staff say the baby is starting to show interest in solid food and is expected to start eating hay this month.

It should be severa

See Full Page