After weeks of secrecy, a zoo has announced the birth of Darko, a baby pygmy hippo whose first weeks were filmed for the BBC documentary The Unlikely Hippo, premiering later in 2026.
August 2026
After weeks of speculation, the mystery has finally been solved.
The zoo has officially announced the birth of Darko, a remarkable baby pygmy hippo who is set to make history as the first Black pygmy hippo to take centre stage in a BBC wildlife documentary.
Staff had kept his arrival completely secret while he adjusted to life behind the scenes alongside his protective mother.
According to zoo officials, Darko received around-the-clock care during his first weeks of life. Veterinarians closely monitored his growth, making sure he was feeding well, gaining weight, and becoming confident enough to explore his habitat.
But the decision to keep Darko hidden wasn't only for his health.
The zoo confirmed that a BBC documentary crew had been quietly filming every major milestone since the day he was born. Cameras captured everything—from his first steps and first swim to the special bond he shares with his mother.
Those extraordinary moments will be featured in The Unlikely Hippo, an upcoming BBC wildlife documentary scheduled to premiere in September 2026.
The production is being promoted as a historic first, placing a Black pygmy hippo at the centre of a major BBC wildlife documentary.
Zoo director Emma Collins said: "Darko is one of the most extraordinary animals we've ever cared for. This documentary represents something truly special. For the first time, audiences will experience the early life of a Black pygmy hippo in a BBC production dedicated entirely to his journey."
Visitors will be able to meet Darko for the first time during a special public debut later this month. To protect his health, daily viewing times will be limited, and keepers will closely supervise all interactions.
The documentary will also include exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the dedicated keepers who cared for Darko through his first weeks, as well as never-before-seen moments filmed after the zoo closed each evening.
BBC filmmakers hope Darko's story will introduce a new generation of viewers to pygmy hippos while highlighting the importance of protecting this endangered species.
With his charming personality and remarkable journey, Darko is already being described as a potential international wildlife sensation.
The Unlikely Hippo — A Historic BBC Wildlife Documentary. Coming October 2026.
