They were the highlight of a visit to Woodland Park Zoo (WPZ) for more than five decades, as families gathered in front of their swimming hole hoping to see their tough-skinned doubl-domed heads and anime-sized eyes rise above the waterline.
Kids oohed and awed for generations as they gently swam across the pond or lumbered to shore. Kids, young and old, applauded when they opened their great jaws for watermelons in summer and pumpkins in the fall.
Last chance to see the hippo
The zoo’s last hippo will make her final appearance on September 24. So, if you are a parent who recalls loving hippo antics or you have kids eager to see one of these giant natives of the tropical savannah, make your way to WPZ before then.
Guadalupe, the 24-year-old hippo, will be moved to a new home accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, where zookeepers hope she will thrive in the company of other hippos. WPZ will announce the name of Lupe’s new home after her safe arrival there.
A Disney baby
Called Lupe, the hippo currently lives in the WPZ African Savanna. She was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and moved to Woodland Park Zoo in 2003. Lupe’s hippo companion, Lily, died in April. As a result, the zoo began working with the Hippo Species Survival Plan to identify a new home to ensure Lupe will have the companionship she needs.
“While in some ways it was a tough decision to move her because she is so beloved, in other ways it was an easy decision because hippos are very social animals, and she needs the companionship of other hippos so she can continue to thrive,” Martin Ramirez, the zoo’s Interim Senior Director of Animal Care, said in an announcement. “Her well-being and a healthy, long life remain our priority and we’re fully confident in the expertise and dedication of the animal care team at her new home.”
Water sustainability was an issue
Hippos need a lot of water in their habitats. Water sustainability is another reason zoo officials say they will not bring in new hippos. The hippo exhibit, built in 1980, has aged and is no longer sustainable for the semi-aquatic mammals. Zoo officials say water usage in the hippo pool accounts for almost 20% of the zoo’s total annual water usage.
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