ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Albuquerque BioPark is sharing fun facts about how Karen the hippo gave birth to Maisy. The BioPark says Nile hippo mothers choose to give birth in the water or on land.

At birth, the newborn calf can hold its breath for around 30 to 40 seconds. The BioPark says in the case of a water birth, the mother will lift the newborn to make sure they can take their first breaths and will get them to shallow water or carry them on her back.

The BioPark shared a video showing how long Maisy can hold her breath: 50 seconds. But as Maisy gets older, she'll be able to do it for about five or six minutes.

The BioPark says nursing takes place underwater. The mother will lean over with her leg extended out, and the calf submerges to drink, surfacing briefly as needed.

Ano

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