Men's Journal's Blog, page 18

Southwest Sparks Outrage by Ending Several Direct Flights

Southwest Airlines has been making many changes in recent months as the airline undergoes a significant rebrand. But not everyone is happy with some of the moves.

The airline has already ended its "bags fly free" policy and is planning to remove its longstanding open-seating policy. Now, the airline seems to be making some significant changes to its flight schedule and overall strategy.

This week, those decisions came at the detriment of many travelers in one major U.S. city, and many people are not happy.

Southwest Ends Several Direct Flights

This week, Southwest Airlines announced that it would be canceling six direct flights out of St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Southwest confirmed to First Alert 4 in St. Louis that it would be cutting its direct flights from Lambert to Little Rock, Tulsa, Charlotte, Des Moines, Oklahoma City, and Wichita.

In a statement to First Alert 4, the airline said that it was “redesigning east-west connectivity in our network that has traditionally gone through St. Louis to other SWA points of strength (ICT, DSM, TUL to MDW, LIT to BNA, OKC to DAL).”

Southwest's Decision Sparks Outrage

The news of the decision quickly spread around the city, sparking outrage and disappointment.

“While we are disappointed in the loss of some of these flights, we are still grateful for the strong partnership we have with Southwest Airlines and the service the airline provides for travelers in this region,” Lambert officials told First Alert 4 in a statement on Friday.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer addressed the decision in a recent press conference where she called the move "disappointing."

“This is an issue that impacts our city’s bottom line,” she said, via First Alert 4.

Customers and travelers also expressed their frustration.

“How is that going to make anything better? To me, they’re going to lose business,” St. Louis resident Beth Huffman told First Alert 4. "This doesn't help."

“No, no, absolutely not. Keep people flying,” Southwest passenger Curtis Howard said of the move. “If you’re cutting stuff down, you’re cutting employment, you’re cutting travel—you’re cutting more and more. Grow it, make it bigger.”

Part of a Larger Plan?

It's been obvious to anyone who has been paying attention that Southwest Airlines is undergoing a bit of a rebrand recently, with the airline instituting new bag fees and moving away from its longstanding open-seating model. However, the airline appears to be making another significant change, as well.

Southwest Airlines has long operated under a point-to-point model, meaning that it prioritizes direct flights between specific cities, regardless of the distance between those two points. This exists in contrast to the hub-and-spoke model used by other major airlines, which connects many smaller cities to a central hub.

The hub-and-spoke model is more efficient, but not always preferred by passengers, as it increases travel time and layovers.

As Southwest undergoes its rebrand, the airline has made it clear that it intends to move away from a pure point-to-point model and embrace a hybrid system. These changes seem to be in line with that plane.

This Old-School Seiko Watch Is on Sale for Under $160 Right Now, and It's Teeming With Class

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why We Love This Deal

Seiko watches offer the perfect balance of affordability and craftsmanship, with options from divers to sports and dress watches, and everything in between. One under-the-radar spot to find a great deal on a Seiko watch is Walmart. Right now, you can snag this timeless Seiko automatic watch for under $200.

The Seiko 37mm 5 Series Automatic Steel Sports Watch is on sale for just $155 at Walmart, a 29% discount on its full price tag of $220. Minimalist and good looking, this steel watch is an excellent value buy to add to any collection. Walmart shoppers also seem to like it, giving it almost 20 five-star ratings out of 24 total.

Seiko 37mm 5 Series Automatic Steel Sports Watch, $155 (was $220) at Walmart The Seiko 37mm 5 Series Automatic Steel Sports Watch.

Courtesy of Walmart

[image error] Why Do Shoppers Love It?

This streamlined Seiko is on the smaller side at only 37mm, making it the perfect slim option for those seeking a less flashy timepiece they can dress up or wear as a smaller sports watch. It has a deep blue dial, silver-toned hands and numerals, a day date window, and a fold-over clasp.

It has a single push crown for adjusting the time, day, and date, and comes with a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal face. While it's water-resistant up to 30 meters and is fine for hand washing or splashes, we'd recommend avoiding any diving expeditions.

Related: Bulova's 'Elegant' Automatic Open Heart Watch Is 50% Off Right Now, and Collectors Say It's 'Simply Perfect'

What Shoppers Should KnowSize: 37mmMovement: AutomaticDial: BlueWater-Resistant: 30 metersClosure: Fold-over clasp

The versatility of this timepiece is what truly sets it apart from other sports watches. Thanks to its slimmer design, it acts as a more modern option for guys not wanting a ton of heft on their wrists. Even though it is on the smaller side, it still commands enough presence with its striking dial and vintage look.

What Shoppers Are Saying“Beautiful, reliable automatic watch with a stunning blue dial and classic design. It's the perfect size for everyday wear—comfortable and not too bulky.”“Excellent value for anyone wanting a stylish, entry-level mechanical watch.”“Affordable luxury—one of the best looking dials that really shines outdoors.”

Another shopper said it’s the “Most reliable wristwatch.” They said, “This elegant wristwatch style and design has been around for over 50 years—I know because I still wear the fully-functional original 'automatic' (self-winding) design from 1972. These timepieces are as flawless as I've ever known (without being an astronomically expensive Swiss chronometer). My original wristwatch still keeps time accurately. Why buy this beautiful new version? Oh...a great deal…beautifully encased in a lovely little presentation case with a Seiko-guarantee warranty card—Perfect…flawless performance.”

At just over $150, the Seiko 37mm 5 Series Automatic Steel Sports Watch is about as affordable as they come with this much performance and looks. Grab yours while you still can, as they are likely to sell fast.

Shop More Deals Like ThisSeiko 43mm 5 Sports Automatic Orange Dial Watch, $193 (was $261) at WalmartInvicta 38mm Pro Diver Quartz Black Dial Watch, $49 (was $57) at WalmartSeiko 42mm Chronograph Stainless Steel White Dial Quartz Watch, $169 (was $250) at Walmart

Aldi’s $15 Acacia Serving Tray is Strikingly Similar to Styles Sold at West Elm and Sur La Table 3x the Price

If you've checked out the stylish wood serving trays at retailers like West Elm and Sur La Table, then you know they can run anywhere from $45 on the low end to well over $100. Dropping that much cash on a tray can feel hard to justify. That's why Aldi's new Crofton 18-inch Acacia Wooden Serving Tray is such a smart pickup. It's made from the same wood, has a similar look, and does the same job at a fraction of the price—$14.99 to be exact. 

It's Game Ready

This tray is solid, and at 18-inches across, it's got plenty of real estate to load up with appetizers for the big game, or fill it with sliders, wings, or cocktails at your next tailgate. It's not one of those dainty trays that look nice, but barely hold cheese and crackers. This one is designed to get used. And with football season just around the corner, you can rest assured this kitchen purchase won't simply sit and gather dust on a pantry shelf.

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Aldi's New Crofton 18-Inch Acacia Wooden Serving Tray

ALDI

Made To Last

Made from acacia wood, it has that natural grainy, expensive look you'd expect from a specialty kitchen stores. Another win is the fact that acacia is known for its durability, and believe or not, this wooden tray is actually dishwasher safe. That's a rare feature in wood serveware and huge win for anyone who doesn't want baby their gear. When the party's over, cleanup's as easy as tossing it in with the dirty plates.

Related: This Chef-Inspired Serving Tray Is Perfect for Sophisticated Entertaining

Not Just for Sports Fans

This tray isn't limited to football Sundayas. The stylish, large-format entertaining tray also makes a sharp date-night centerpiece. Load it with sliced meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables for a photo-worthy charcuterie board. Or keep it simple and elegant with a wedge of brie, a baguette, and a bottle of wine. 

Don't Wait

No matter what you choose to use the tray for, you won't regret spending the extra $14.99 to bring it home. But you may regret not jumping on it quickly enough if you miss out. The Acacia Wooden Serving Tray is an Aldi Find—which means it's only here for a limited time. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Next Up:

Related: Popular Protein Brand Launches New Sparkling Energy Drinks Fans Say Is 'Worth Buying'

Southwest Airlines Moves Forward With Major Change

Southwest Airlines has long been the largest point-to-point airline in the United States, giving it a competitive advantage over airlines like Delta and United by offering direct flights to more cities. However, there are signs that Southwest is looking to move away from that model a little bit.

Earlier this year, Southwest Airlines revealed that the airline would be moving forward with more of a hybrid model instead of its current point-to-point model while still looking to remain the most dominant point-to-point carrier in the country.

This week, the airline appears to have made a move in that direction, ending some of its direct routes.

Southwest's Point-To-Point Dominance

If you've flown either from or to a smaller airport in recent years, there's a good chance that Southwest Airlines was your only option if you wanted a direct flight without a layover. That's because of Southwest's point-to-point model.

Most major airlines like Delta, United, and American use a hub-and-spoke model, which connects many smaller cities to a central hub, increasing efficiency but also increasing travel time.

Southwest, meanwhile, has long operated under a point-to-point model, which prioritizes direct flights between specific cities regardless of the distance between those two points.

Southwest Looks to Move Away From This Model

While this point-to-point model has long been a competitive advantage for Southwest Airlines, the airline looks to be moving away from this model at least a little bit.

In some recent public comments, the airline's senior leaders made it pretty clear that the airline would be moving away from its point-to-point approach and instead embrace a hybrid approach.

"On Wednesday, June 4, Southwest Airlines senior leaders spoke at the 9th Annual Future of the Consumer Conference, an industry gathering hosted by investment bank TD Cowen. Among many things that were discussed, it became very clear that Southwest Airlines is looking to evolve away from its traditional point-to-point business model towards a more hybrid approach that incorporates greater connectivity into the picture. The airline reaffirmed that it would aim to remain the dominant point-to-point carrier in the United States," Alexander Mitchell wrote for Simple Flying back in June.

Southwest Moves Forward With This Plan

This week, Southwest Airlines appeared to move forward with this plan as it has cut six different direct flights out of St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Southwest Airlines confirmed to First Alert 4 in St. Louis that it would be cutting its direct flights from Lambert to Little Rock, Tulsa, Charlotte, Des Moines, Oklahoma City, and Wichita.

In a statement to First Alert 4, the airline said that it was “redesigning east-west connectivity in our network that has traditionally gone through St. Louis to other SWA points of strength (ICT, DSM, TUL to MDW, LIT to BNA, OKC to DAL).”

This seems to align with the airline's previous comments about shifting to a hybrid model that values connectivity.

Walmart's 2-Person Tent Is on Sale for Only $80 Right Now, and It Has a Massive Vestibule Attached to It

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why We Love This Deal

The best tents are all about peace of mind, giving campers a safe place to sleep, but some can also serve as a living and gear storage area. A large tent doesn’t need to be all sleeping space if there are limited campers. For couples and father-son trips into the woods, this 2-person tent with a large vestibule area that Walmart is selling for just $80 is a better bet.

Ozark Trail 2-Person Tent with Oversized Vestibule, $80 (was $89) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

[image error] What Shoppers Should KnowFloor Size: 6’8” x 4’11”Outdoor Area: 47.6 Square FeetCenter Height: 4’5”Sleeps: The Ozark Trail 2-Person Tent sleeps 2 people and fits one full inflatable sleeping pad or mattress.Pack Weight: 11.9 pounds

A typical 2-person tent is usually mostly enclosed, but might have a small overhang to keep rain and sun off the doorway. But for smaller expedition parties, couples that bring a shade-loving dog, or those wanting that lovely feel of sitting out on the porch and drinking a cup of coffee in the morning feel with them, they might feel too small.

The Ozark Trails 2-Person Tent has a 47.6 square foot vestibule that will make the average big city apartment dweller jealous. All the while, it still has a nice interior area for sleeping, fitting two sleeping bags or a single full-size sleeping pad or mattress. With a total weight under 12 pounds, your back isn’t paying for the extra space, and with this deal, your wallet isn’t either.

Related: Walmart Has a Portable Camping Stove on Sale for $24

What Shoppers Are Saying

One shopper highlighted the value of the tent. “The bag that comes with this tent can compress down to fit on a bike, which is cool, although [you'll want to] leave some time for packing. Solid value compared to high-end tents.”

But who is this tent for? Another shopper explained it perfectly: “This tent is ideal for those who like camping in rainy, muddy weather but HATE tracking it into the tent with you. The awning is spacious enough to sit under, change under, and store your belongings overnight. The tent itself will easily fit two people, maybe more. Definitely a tent I see myself using often.”

The Ozark Trail 2-Person Tent with Oversized Vestibule is a steal at just $80. Get yours while you can.

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Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool Reportedly Joining 'Avengers: Doomsday' With 1 Caveat

After Ryan Reynolds made waves in the early hours on Tuesday, Aug. 12, with a social media post featuring an Avengers logo, speculation began to run rampant. Although Reynolds' popular Marvel character Deadpool wasn't on the initial cast list revealed by the company for Avengers: Doomsday, many fans believed the cryptic post was his big reveal.

And apparently it was, at least according to a new report from The Hollywood Reporter in the latest edition of Heat Vision. For fans, if the hope was to see Deadpool in the new Avengers, signs point to that being the case; however, there's one big caveat noted in the report.

Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool Reportedly Appears in 'Avengers: Doomsday,' Just Not With the Avengers Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds attend the 'Deadpool & Wolverine' World Premiere at the David H. Koch Theater.

Noam Galai/Getty Images

The good news is that, if true, the foul-mouthed beloved superhero played by Reynolds will make his Avengers debut. However, according to THR, you may want to hold off on daydreaming about Deadpool teaming up alongside Captain America, Thor and the rest of the group.

"Sources tell Heat Vision that yes, Deadpool will appear in Avengers: Doomsday. (Don't expect him to actually be joining the Avengers team, though.)" the report read.

Take from that what you will, but it could signal one of two potential things. Either Deadpool's appearance in Avengers: Doomsday is brief (based on the expected PG-13 rating, this is possible), or Marvel has something else completely off-the-wall planned for Reynolds' character.

'Avengers: Doomsday' Still Lacking Clarity on Several Key Characters Tom Holland is seen on the set of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'

Photo by MEGA/GC Images

Although the list of stars already revealed by Marvel who are set to suit up for Avengers: Doomsday is lengthy, there are also several notable names missing. Marvel previously clarified that the initial cast reveal wasn't the full list of names, which has led to curiosity surrounding some of the biggest names who were left off.

One of the biggest names not featured initially was Tom Holland, who's currently filming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. It's possible that filming of the solo film could have led to Holland being held off the cast list for Avengers: Doomsday, leaving the possibility he could return in Secret Wars, but that's simply speculation.

Among the other noteworthy names, the list includes Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord), Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Don Cheadle (War Machine) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), among several additional high-profile stars.

Related: ‘Avengers’ Star Anthony Mackie Seen Kissing 'Mystery Woman,' Fueling Girlfriend Speculation

Amazon Is Selling a 'Powerful' $120 Nail Gun That 'Just Makes Life Easier'

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Whether you're fixing the deck or repairing a hole in the roof, the task becomes infinitely easier when there's a nail gun hanging from your tool belt. The good news is that Amazon just knocked down the price on a very popular one—it's now 40% off.

The $200 Metabo HPT 18V Nailer is now just $120 through Amazon, and shoppers are saying, “It's a beast, the little battery works for a good long while too,” and “This tool is great. All around good quality, works well, and it just makes life easier.”

Metabo HPT 18V Nailer, $120 (was $200) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

[image error]

This gun is designed to use (⅝-inch up to 2-inch 18-gauge) brad nails, and comes equipped with a 2.0Ah 18V battery that can drive up to 700 nails on a single charge. There’s no ramp-up time, so nails come out incredibly fast, and the gun itself weighs just 5.5 pounds, making it an excellent option for tight spaces. Adding to the versatility, the gun also comes with an LED light that can illuminate your work area, and a fuel gauge to give you an accurate read on how much power is left. Everything is completely cordless as well, meaning you don’t have to worry about hoses, gas, or noisy compressors.

Having a nail gun this compact is super convenient, confirmed by shoppers who wrote, “Works fantastic! Durable and battery life is fantastic! Beats having air compressor hoses everywhere!” and, “I love this thing for what it is. Perfect for small projects where you don’t feel like breaking out a compressor. Good price for what it is. I don’t have a long-time, heavy-use review, but it has been good to me as a homeowner doing lots of indoor trim.”

Related: The 5 Best DeWalt Deals Online Right Now: Drills, Batteries, and More

This is also a great pick for first-time nail gun owners: “Love it. Shoots quickly, no wind-up. No bump fire feature, but not expected at this price or for a brad nailer. I'm not sure how I lived without a nail gun before this.” A second shopper said, “First time ever using a nailer. So easy to load and very powerful. Great product!”

Perfect for DIY projects and general upkeep, the Metabo HPT 18V Nailer is available now for $120 on Amazon. With limited-time deals like this, it’s best to act quickly before the sale ends, especially if you’re interested.

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Amazon's No. 1 Bestselling Trail Cameras That Shoot 'Crystal Clear' Video Are Nearly 50% Off Right Now

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why We Love This Deal

Retailers across the internet are starting to roll out major deals on hunting gear ahead of fall, including everything from sturdy boots to this handheld GPS unit from Garmin. And if you want to get a jump on your scouting, Amazon has the perfect deal for you: Its top-selling trail camera is available in a two-unit bundle for nearly half off.

The Moultrie Edge 2 Cellular Trail Camera is available on Amazon for just $79—a 47% discount from its normal price of $150. This camera is the No. 1 bestselling item in the Hunting and Trail Cameras category on Amazon, and over 4,000 were sold in just the last month.

Moultrie Edge 2 Cellular Trail Camera, $79 (was $150) on Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

[image error] Why Do Shoppers Love It?

Shoppers appreciate the Edge 2’s clear optics, rugged build, and cellular connectivity (though you will have to sign up for a subscription to use it). The Edge 2 features a lightning-fast 0.40-second trigger speed for capturing fast-moving animals, and it can sense movement up to 100 feet away. Reviewers love the image quality on this camera: It offers 36-megapixel still image resolution and 1080p video resolution for a clear view of wildlife, and the low-glow flash gives you clearer nighttime images without spooking animals. The camera automatically connects to the strongest cellular network to send photos and videos to the cloud, and it runs on 16 AAA batteries (you can purchase a rechargeable battery separately).

Signing up for the Moultrie app really unlocks the camera’s true potential. There, you can view your images and videos, and the app gives you unlimited cloud storage. It also includes lots of smart features like on-demand photo and video captures, AI-powered species identification, and Moultrie’s Game Plan analysis, which tells you the best time and place to hunt based on what your cameras see.

Related: Scheels Is Selling Bog's $490 Ground Blind for Just $230, and Shoppers Say It's 'Easy' to Pop Up and Tear Down

What Shoppers Should KnowComponents Included: The Edge 2 is available in a two-pack (two cameras) for $79. You can also purchase a single camera, a single camera with a rechargeable battery, three-camera and four-camera packs, or a bundle with a flexible mount, but those options are not on sale.Image Quality: 36MP still image resolution, 1080p video resolution (with audio)Memory: Each Edge 2 camera has 8GB of built-in storage, and you can unlock more cloud storage by using the Moultrie app. Detection Range: 100 feetSubscription Fee: Starts at $8.99/monthBest Use Case: These cameras are great for tracking animal movements on your property or out in the wild.

The Moultrie Edge 2 trail cameras are available in one color, tan, and the two-pack of cameras is on sale for $79 (you can pay full price for other bundle options or a single camera). This camera offers high-quality optics—36MP image resolution and 1080p video resolution—for clear images and video of wildlife within 100 feet of wherever you mount it.

You will need to activate a subscription ($8.99 per month) to operate the camera. Thanks to its cellular connectivity, you can monitor your feeds from anywhere, which makes this camera great for getting real-time info on game movements or keeping track of what’s happening around your property.

What Shoppers Are Saying“A great tool for hunters.”“The picture and video quality are crystal clear, even at night.”“I have already discovered a whole new animal kingdom in my backyard.”

Overall, shoppers are raving about the Edge 2’s easy setup, great optics, and reliability. One called it a “buck magnet,” and another said, “I’m amazed. It’s the best trail cam I’ve ever used.”

The Moultrie Edge 2 Cellular Trail Camera is the perfect scout for keeping an eye on your property or tracking game. With its cellular connectivity, you can watch the woods from the comfort of your living room, and at just $79 for a two-pack, this Amazon discount is the perfect chance to try out some cutting-edge hunting tech. Pick up yours today: Just like that prized buck, this pricing could disappear at any moment.

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Costco Just Dropped the Price on These Cult-Favorite Grain-Free Cookies and Shoppers Are Sprinting to Grab Them

Consumers are on the hunt for snacks they can feel good about, whether that’s from a nutrition standpoint, a food intolerance concern or a taste perspective. This cross between a cookie and a cracker from a popular packaged foods company checks every box.

Simple Mills Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins are made with wholesome, organic ingredients, are grain-free and taste absolutely delicious. According to the maker, “Sweet Thins are made with simple, nutritious ingredients and just the right amount of sweetness in a light & crunchy bite so you can feel as good as they taste”.

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These cookie crackers contain a unique blend of seeds and nuts, including watermelon seeds, cashews, sunflower seeds and flax seeds, coconut sugar, coconut oil, honey, cinnamon, rosemary extract, sea salt and vanilla extract.

Simple Mills Sweet Thins Honey Cinnamon

Costco

According to Simple Mills, the watermelon seed flour provides a bit of protein, heart-healthy fats and micronutrients that give the thins a light, crispy texture. One serving of 12 thins contains 140 calories, 1-gram of fiber and 7-grams of sugar from the coconut sugar and honey.

Featured Story: Costco's Fan-Favorite Umami-Packed Chip That Shoppers Say Is an 'Excellent Choice of Snack' Is on Major Sale Right Now

A 14-ounce bag sells at Costco for $10.73, and with their sale of $3 off each bag, the price comes down to $7.93. Fans seem to love the Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins, with a Reddit thread discussing how delicious they are. “I love these so much”, said one fan.

Simple Mills also makes other flavors of Sweet Thins, including lemon, chocolate brownie and mint chocolate. The Honey Cinnamon is also available in single serving snack packs.

If you’re interested in trying them, you may want to act fast. “They sell out quickly at my local Costco. I had to grab 2 this time”, said one person.

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Related: This 'Clean' Protein Powder That Shoppers Say 'Blends Well' and ‘Stands Apart From the Competition’ Is On-Sale Right Now at Costco

Baby Hippo Mars Goes Viral After Adorable ‘Mom Stare’ Showdown

At Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, KS, a 6-week-old pygmy hippo named Mars became an internet sensation after refusing to leave his pool at dinnertime. The rare footage, which has racked up more than 45 million views, shows keepers trying to coax the baby out of the water on a sweltering summer day. Mars wasn’t having it—lounging, splashing, and even darting away from handlers.

The Viral Pool Standoff: Mom Steps In

The playful rebellion ended the moment Mars’s mother, Posie, approached. With one unmistakable “mom stare,” Posie turned the tide. Mars quickly followed her inside without protest, proving that maternal authority transcends species.

“It’s incredible how universal all different species seem to have that mom stare down,” said Matt Fouts, director of Tanganyika Wildlife Park told ABC News. “It’s hilarious to see Posey do that with Mars every day when he just does not want to go inside. He loves being outside.”

A Rare Conservation Win

Mars is one of only three pygmy hippos born in the U.S. last year and one of roughly 3,000 left in the wild. Born at just 13 pounds, he now weighs nearly 40 pounds. For the park, his arrival is a milestone in conservation efforts for the endangered species.

“We’re incredibly excited to have Mars,” Fouts said. “As an endangered species, it’s always important anytime you can have a birth. It’s definitely a testament to all the hard work that our care team does here.”

Meet Mars in Person

Visitors can see Mars and Posie daily from noon to 4 p.m. The park’s staff says he’s even cuter in person and continues to perfect his end-of-day avoidance tactics—until Posie intervenes.

Sierra, the park’s stock supervisor, said Mars’s personality shines through more every day. “Even though every day we have trouble getting him inside, Posey’s got that mom stare down and knows exactly what that means–time to get out of the pool and go in for the day.”

Related: Video: Wild Hippo Fight Breaks Out on Golf Course