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Hippo born at Tennessee zoo; naming contest underway

In this photo taken Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, hippopotamuses lie partially-submerged in the waters of Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, eastern Rwanda. After the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, returning refugees swept into the park with herds of cattle and wiped out the last lions but now the once-abandoned reserve on the border with Tanzania is drawing more tourists, reducing poacher incursions and getting local villagers more involved in conservation - it even re-introduced lions this year. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
In this photo taken Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, hippopotamuses lie partially-submerged in the waters of Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, eastern Rwanda. After the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, returning refugees swept into the park with herds of cattle and wiped out the last lions but now the once-abandoned reserve on the border with Tanzania is drawing more tourists, reducing poacher incursions and getting local villagers more involved in conservation - it even re-introduced lions this year. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

By Associated Press 1 min read

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – A hippopotamus has been born at a Tennessee zoo.

The Memphis Zoo says a Nile hippopotamus named Binti gave birth March 23 to a female calf, which made her public debut last week.

The zoo says it is holding a naming contest for the newborn through its website. Five names have been picked for consideration and the winning name will be announced Friday.

The zoo says about 80 hippos are currently on exhibit in the United States, Canada and Mexico.