For $175 the Metro Richmond Zoo will let you wade into its pygmy hippo enclosure for an up close and personal hippo experience. Why it matters: The money gets you the chance at 30 minutes with Poppy and her mom Iris — from the secure side of a safe barrier.

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) – A winter storm swept through New Jersey on Sunday, leaving behind a blanket of snow. Thundersnow, when lighting and thunder happen during a snowstorm, was also reported near Essex County, according to the National Weather Service. Here’s how much snow accumulated across the Garden State as of 6:15 a.m. Monday, according […]

On Tuesday, the Metro Richmond Zoo launched a new experience where guests can meet America’s sweetheart up close and personal.

The Metro Richmond Zoo has launched the Poppy Cam, a new livestream of its baby pygmy hippo Poppy and her mother, Iris.

The two cranes passed away from the disease. The affected birds did not live in an aviary that shares a common space with the public, the zoo said.

Iris and “New Deng” (trademark pending) have been relocated to a private hay-filled enclosure for the time being, which will allow them to properly bond, zoo officials said. Eventually, the calf will move into the zoo’s publicly viewable indoor pool exhibit, where it will probably endear itself to adoring fans eager for more baby hippo content.