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

The zoo says the birds did not live in any of its aviaries, where the public shares a common space with birds.

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.

The Metro Richmond Zoo in Moseley, Virginia, has announced the rare and exciting arrival of a baby pygmy hippo on December 9. The calf was born to parents Iris and Corwin after a seven-month gestation,

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.