David Muir recounts the charming tale of Mars, the popular baby hippopotamus that captured everyone's attention online
In a heartwarming display of motherly instincts, a 6-week-old pygmy hippo named Mars from Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas, has captured the attention of visitors and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Mars, who is one of only 3,000 remaining pygmy hippos in the wild, is the latest addition to the wildlife park's family, and his playful antics and stubbornness at dinnertime have become a source of amusement for many.
Mars' mother, Posie, has proven to be an effective caregiver, using a behaviour known as the "maternal stare" or "mom stare" to guide her offspring. This universal behaviour, observed across many animal species, is a long, intense gaze used to communicate authority, caution, or discipline. In Mars' case, Posie's stare caused him to immediately follow her for dinner, even when he was reluctant to leave his swimming pool.
The "mom stare" is not exclusive to pygmy hippos. For instance, deer mothers exhibit watchful gazes and gentle nuzzles to protect and comfort their young, while monkeys use attentive staring to regulate infant behaviour and foster social bonding. Elephants, though not explicitly described as a "stare," demonstrate intense protective and guiding behaviours that influence offspring learning and survival.
The impact of such maternal staring behaviour on offspring is significant. It regulates behaviour, as seen in Mars who stopped unwanted behaviour and followed his mother's command after her stare. It also aids social learning, promoting offspring development and social integration, as observed in species like orangutans and elephants. Emotional bonding and security are also fostered through the maternal stare, establishing a non-verbal communication channel that reassures and guides the young, fostering attachment and a sense of safety.
Mars' birth is a significant achievement for wildlife conservation, as he is one of only three pygmy hippos born in the United States last year. His behaviour and the effectiveness of his mother's "mom stare" are universally recognizable across different species.
Visitors can see Mars and Posie in person daily from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Sierra, the Stock Supervisor at the wildlife park, has observed Mars' growing personality firsthand and is amazed by his development. Matt Fouts, the park's Director, expressed his excitement about having Mars and praised the care team's hard work.
Mars weighed 13 pounds at birth and has already grown to nearly 40 pounds. His continued development and stubbornness at dinnertime are relatable to many parents, making him a beloved figure at the wildlife park. His story serves as a testament to the universal maternal stare and its role in promoting offspring compliance, learning, and emotional well-being across the animal kingdom.
World news today features a heartwarming story about a pygmy hippo named Mars from the Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas. The video footage of Mars and his mother Posie is already making waves on lifestyle channels, as Mars' stubbornness at dinnertime and playful antics mirror the experiences of many pet owners. Despite being creatures of different species, it appears that the bond between Mars and Posie, strengthened by Posie's effective use of the "mom stare," mirrors the dynamics seen in home-and-garden scenarios, underling the universal language of parenting.
