Visitors at Metro Richmond Zoo can meet endangered pygmy hippo up close in new experience

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Metro Richmond Zoo has launched a new experience that allows visitors to meet Poppy, the baby endangered pygmy hippo, up close and personal. Starting Jan. 22, the zoo said it is launching the behind-the-scenes experience, called "The Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience." During the experience, the zoo said guests will put on waders and step into the water near Poppy and her mother, Iris. Guests will be separated from the hippos by a barrier. In addition, guests will also get a guided tour of the habitat and will learn more about pygmy hippo behavior and conservation from a zoo team member. Visitors will also have the potential opportunity to feed produce to Iris and Poppy. (Photo: Metro Richmond Zoo)(Photo: Metro Richmond Zoo)(Photo: Metro Richmond Zoo)(Photo: Metro Richmond Zoo)(Photo: Metro Richmond Zoo) The zoo said the experience, which is for 30 minutes at $175 per person, is offered for a short time and capacity is limited. Online reservations are required. To view more information and book the experience, visit the zoo's website.