{
  "id": 11801884,
  "title": "Meet Momo, Dehiwala Zoo’s newest star",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/meet-momo-dehiwala-zoos-newest-star",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T00:00:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/meet-momo-dehiwala-zoos-newest-star/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Nile hippopotamus calf, born recently at Dehiwala Zoological Gardens, has been given the name 'Momo'. This decision was the result of a special naming competition for children, which was launched to coincide with World Children's Day. Nearly 1,000 names were submitted by children for the zoo's newest addition. After careful consideration, a committee of zoo officials selected 'Momo' as the winning entry, which was submitted by a young girl named Avandha Tamari. Avandha was honored with special gifts at a ceremony held at the Dehiwala Zoo. The Deputy Environment Minister, Anton Jayakody, presented the prizes to Avandha. Officials from the Ministry of Environment and the Department of National Zoological Gardens attended the event. The Department of National Zoological Gardens praised the zoo's animal keepers, veterinary officers, and other staff for their dedication to the health and well-being of the hippo calf. They also expressed gratitude to the children and members of the public for their affection towards Momo. The zoo invited families and young visitors to come and see the newest attraction in person.",
  "summary": "The Nile hippopotamus calf recently born at the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens has been named ‘Momo’, following a special naming competition organised for children. The name was unveiled on Thursday (1), coinciding with World Children’s Day, at a ceremony held at the Dehiwala Zoo. According to the Department of National Zoological Gardens, nearly 1,000 names were […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Nile hippopotamus calf named Momo at Dehiwala Zoo.",
    "999 other names submitted in naming competition.",
    "Avandha Tamari wins prize for naming Momo."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The naming of the hippopotamus calf Momo, chosen from nearly 1,000 entries in a children's competition, cements the young animal's status as a crowd favourite and public relations draw for Dehiwala Zoo.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}