Australasian Hippo Population

[Zorro]

Very true. The key is to import as many founders as they have the opportunity to do so (bearing in mind reasonable constraints such as money and space). This will lead to a viable population being established long term that can sustain the region ecen if the import gap closes.

Nyala has shown it can be done the right way

 

[Zoofan15]

Nyala has shown it can be done the right way

The initial imports could sustain our region for decades. It was great to see many holders het behind this species, which contoeubted to the success of the programme. I appreciate they had the advantage of being suitable for mixed species exhibits etc. but it was clearly the winning solution.

 

[Jambo]

From an article: As of 1980, Melbourne had three Common hippos which shared the same pool. These must've been Rangi and his two daughters, Henrietta (1961) and Millie (1969). These three were probably transferred to Werribee, with one of the daughters being the mother of Primrose.

 

[Zoofan15]

From an article: As of 1980, Melbourne had three Common hippos which shared the same pool. These must've been Rangi and his two daughters, Henrietta (1961) and Millie (1969). These three were probably transferred to Werribee, with one of the daughters being the mother of Primrose.

I strongly believe that Primrose's mother was either Henrietta or Millie. I imagine being young hippopotami (both under 25), they were transferred to Werribee along with Brindabella's mother from Adelaide.

We know Werribee opened in 1983 and Harold arrived the following year in 1984. I'm assuming this is the year the females were transferred as well from Melbourne and that one died early on (replaced by Brindabella's mother sometime before 1990).

With regards to Rangi, I'd assume he passed away in the early 1980's or was left at Melbourne to live out his days. He would have been around 40 when the complex opened at Werribee and wouldn't have lived much longer if still alive. They also wouldn't want two bulls on site.

The other possibility is Harold replaced Rangi, however this is unlikely given the turnover time of less than a year and Rangi's age.

 

[Jambo]

I strongly believe that Primrose's mother was either Henrietta or Millie. I imagine being young hippopotami (both under 25), they were transferred to Werribee along with Brindabella's mother from Adelaide.

We know Werribee opened in 1983 and Harold arrived the following year in 1984. I'm assuming this is the year the females were transferred as well from Melbourne and that one died early on (replaced by Brindabella's mother sometime before 1990).

With regards to Rangi, I'd assume he passed away in the early 1980's or was left at Melbourne to live out his days. He would have been around 40 when the complex opened at Werribee and wouldn't have lived much longer if still alive. They also wouldn't want two bulls on site.

The other possibility is Harold replaced Rangi, however this is unlikely given the turnover time of less than a year and Rangi's age.

As of 1980 Melbourne had three hippos (a male and two females). The male was Rangi, and we know the two girls were out Henrietta, Millie or Genevieve. Either way two were still alive, and all were closely related.

We do know for a fact Rangi was sent to Werribee as there was a story of him learning how to walk on mud for the first time. He was sent with two of his daughters in the early 80's (prior to 1983). A photo from 1985 shows three hippos living together.

We can thus assume Rangi and his two daughters were still alive then, meaning Harold didn't replace Rangi. Werribee had two ponds, and could've held the Melbourne individuals in one and Harold and Beatrice in the other.

There was also a male that died at Werribee circa 2000. I doubt it's Rangi (who would've been in his mid 50's), but then again, there's a chance.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne Zoo Hippo History:

I've completed further research on Melbourne's hippos and have found the following. Please note there are still some gaps, but hopefully this information may trigger someone to remember something.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Melbourne first imported 0.1 Rosamund (1909) in 1913. She was joined by 1.0 William (1908) later that year.

Together they produced eight offspring over a period of seventeen years:

0.0.1 Unamed (1916) died 1916 (eaten by William)
1.0 Edward (1918) sent to Adelaide 1920 (died there in 1928 after swallowing a tennis ball)
0.1 Belle (1921) sent to Auckland 1923 (died there in 1954)
0.0.1 Unamed (1924) died 1924 after drowning
0.0.1 Unamed (1925) died 1925 due to pneumonia
1.0 Bill / Nat (1927) sent to Perth (died there in 1930 after swallowing a tennis ball)
1.0 Ernie / Percy / Teenie / Billy (1930) sent to a Brisbane circus in 1932 (sent to Melbourne 1938)
0.1 Esmerelda (1933) died 1961 after swallowing a tennis ball

William died in 1933 after swallowing a tennis ball. An unfortunate fate he shared with three of his children.

In 1938, Billy returned from his travelling circus. He often fought with his mother and sister and was kept seperate. He died in 1944 after swallowing binder twine.

The same is for Rosamund; she died in 1945 after swallowing a....tennis ball.

In 1946, Melbourne imported 1.0 male (1944) from Auckland. He was renamed Rangi.

He was paired with Esmeralda to produce three known offspring:

1.0 Junior (1954) died 1954 due to unknown illness
0.1 Genevieve (1955)
0.1 Henrietta (1961)

In 1961, Esmeralda died after swallowing a tennis ball. She was the fourth hippo at Melbourne to succumb to this fate. She left her two daughters and her mate, Rangi.

In 1966, a new male was imported. I have no details of where from or his name. He was imported as a partner for Henrietta.

In 1968, Rangi died aged 24. Yes. He swallowed a tennis ball.

In 1969, 0.1 Millie was born to the unknown male and Henrietta. Millie died later that year, after being rejected by her mother and handraised.

As of 1980, Melbourne had three hippos who shared the same pool; the unknown male, Genevieve and Henrietta.

All three were exported to Werribee in 1982.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Some additional notes:

Genevieve mothered Primrose, as Henrietta was incapable of raising a hippo calf (she wasn't used for breeding following Millie's birth).

 

[Jambo]

Regarding 'Rangi'

I have found a record of Dimazulu siring a calf born in January in 1944. En Zed was born in April of 1944 to Nada. Now this adds to the confusion as the only other hippo at the zoo was Belle (Dimazulu's mother). And makes virtually no sense as En Zed was widely regarded as Auckland's premier first second generation hippo. It may well be that Belle was the mother and to avoid negative media light, with a mother and son mating, they swept the birth under the rug.

Regarding the unknown male

I initially believed he may have been Kiboko. But apparently he died after swallowing a tennis ball...of course. The most feasible option is the male being from Taronga. Although this wouldn't make sense, as we have all potential surviving offspring bred at Taronga accounted for. The only other option is he was a male imported from overseas. A story does talk about him learning to walk on mud for the first time though (something a wild hippo would've surely done before), and if he was wildborn, you'd think he would've been used for breeding at Werribee as a founder.

 

[Jambo]

The unfortunate curse of tennis balls...

Tennis balls are the arch nemesis of hippos.

Within our region nine hippos have been killed by tennis balls over the space of four decades:

Edward (1928 - Adelaide)
Bill (1930 - Perth)
William (1933 - Melbourne)
Chaka (1937 - Auckland)
Rosamund (1945 - Melbourne)
Dimzaulu (1946 - Auckland)
Esmerelda (1961 - Melbourne)
Rangi (1968 - Melbourne)
Kiboko (1970 - Auckland)

Apparently the public purposely attempted to kill hippos by throwing tennis balls in their enclosures. There was one case where a person went as far as cutting the tennis ball in half, to get it through the netting Melbourne installed following William's death in 1933.

 

[Zoofan15]

Regarding 'Rangi'

I have found a record of Dimazulu siring a calf born in January in 1944. En Zed was born in April of 1944 to Nada. Now this adds to the confusion as the only other hippo at the zoo was Belle (Dimazulu's mother). And makes virtually no sense as En Zed was widely regarded as Auckland's premier first second generation hippo. It may well be that Belle was the mother and to avoid negative media light, with a mother and son mating, they swept the birth under the rug.

I believe the calf born Jan 1944 was a male and was the mystery male that came to Melbourne Zoo in 1946 (renamed Rangi). They received a young bull from Auckland Zoo, that was previously reported to be En Zed (born Apr 1944); yet En Zed died at Auckland Zoo in 1951 (he never went to Melbourne).

The mystery male was apparently the grandchild of William and Rosamund, which would have made him the son of Bella - which also fits this theory of him being the Jan 1944 calf. I’d previously wondered if there’d been a calf that went announced during this era as it appeared to be the only explanation as to how they managed to supply Melbourne with a hippo.

The zoo were presumably embarrassed to admit Dimazulu had mated with his mother given comments they made around this time period of wanting to avoid incest by sourcing unrelated mates.

 

[Jambo]

I believe the calf born Jan 1944 was a male and was the mystery male that came to Melbourne Zoo in 1946 (renamed Rangi). They received a young bull from Auckland Zoo, that was previously reported to be En Zed (born Apr 1944); yet En Zed died at Auckland Zoo in 1951 (he never went to Melbourne).

The mystery male was apparently the grandchild of William and Rosamund, which would have made him the son of Bella - which also fits this theory of him being the Jan 1944 calf. I’d previously wondered if there’d been a calf that went announced during this era as it appeared to be the only explanation as to how they managed to supply Melbourne with a hippo.

The zoo were presumably embarrassed to admit Dimazulu had mated with his mother given comments they made around this time period of wanting to avoid incest by sourcing unrelated mates.

That makes the most sense, and I agree with you, that's the only reasonable explanation. From photos, it showed a young calf which couldn't have been more than two years old.

The article I came across was from Feb 1st 1944 stating a hippo was born a few weeks at Auckland. It was reported by 'The Age' a Victorian newspaper, and it was mentioned the calf was a grandchild of the former Melbourne pair (William and Rosamund). This must've meant the calf was born to Belle, their only offspring living at Auckland. And considering the only male at the zoo at the time was Dimazulu (her son), which would explain why the zoo was secret about the birth.

It would also explain why the male was shovelled off to Melbourne so quickly; as Auckland previously retained their calves much longer.

His original name was 'Horatio' as mentioned in many news articles. He was renamed Rangi upon arrival; and is survived by his grand-daughter (Primrose) and granddaughters (Tulip and Lotus).

Its interesting to see with Monarto soon receiving descendants of Adelaide's former pair, Werribee too hold descendants of Melbourne's original pair too!

 

[Zoofan15]

That makes the most sense, and I agree with you, that's the only reasonable explanation. From photos, it showed a young calf which couldn't have been more than two years old.

The article I came across was from Feb 1st 1944 stating a hippo was born a few weeks at Auckland. It was reported by 'The Age' a Victorian newspaper, and it was mentioned the calf was a grandchild of the former Melbourne pair (William and Rosamund). This must've meant the calf was born to Belle, their only offspring living at Auckland. And considering the only male at the zoo at the time was Dimazulu (her son), which would explain why the zoo was secret about the birth.

It would also explain why the male was shovelled off to Melbourne so quickly; as Auckland previously retained their calves much longer.

His original name was 'Horatio' as mentioned in many news articles. He was renamed Rangi upon arrival; and is survived by his grand-daughter (Primrose) and granddaughters (Tulip and Lotus).

Its interesting to see with Monarto soon receiving descendants of Adelaide's former pair, Werribee too hold descendants of Melbourne's original pair too!

Given this was the 1940’s and hippopotamus reached rarely their full life span (in most cases thanks to a tennis ball), it’s possible the zoo believed Bella was post reproductive when she conceived via her son. He was born 1937, so a seven year gap followed with no offspring. Her mate died via tennis ball in 1936, but given Dimazulu attained sexual maturity in 1940, this represents three years without breeding until she conceived in mid 1943.

Auckland Zoo only had two exhibits, so likely housed the hippopotami in this grouping in 1944:

Exhibit One:

1.0 Dimazulu (1937)
0.1 Bella (1921)
1.0 Horatio/Rangi (1944)

Exhibit Two:

0.1 Nada (1937)
1.0 En Zed (1944)

Bella and Nada were sworn enemies (Nada fatally injured Bella the following decade in a fight); and the focus would have been on ensuring En Zed’s survival.

 

[Jambo]

Given this was the 1940’s and hippopotamus reached rarely their full life span (in most cases thanks to a tennis ball), it’s possible the zoo believed Bella was post reproductive when she conceived via her son. He was born 1937, so a seven year gap followed with no offspring. Her mate died via tennis ball in 1936, but given Dimazulu attained sexual maturity in 1940, this represents three years without breeding until she conceived in mid 1943.

Auckland Zoo only had two exhibits, so likely housed the hippopotami in this grouping in 1944:

Exhibit One:

1.0 Dimazulu (1937)
0.1 Bella (1921)
1.0 Horatio/Rangi (1944)

Exhibit Two:

0.1 Nada (1937)
1.0 En Zed (1944)

Bella and Nada were sworn enemies (Nada fatally injured Bella the following decade in a fight); and the focus would have been on ensuring En Zed’s survival.

Bella would've only been in her early 20's at the time, despite having six offspring with her previous mate!

I'd imagine that seems likely, although Horatio/Rangi was conceived prior to En Zed. Nada was imported in 1939, but it's possible she lived by herself all those years, and Nada remained with her son as a mother and son pair.

It's interesting to know Bella and Nada hated each other. Seems to be a similar story with Brindabella and Primrose at Werribee. I'm assuming at the time Bella and Nada were attempted to be grouped together, away from En Zed to prevent any further inbreeding.

 

[Zoofan15]

Bella would've only been in her early 20's at the time, despite having six offspring with her previous mate!

I'd imagine that seems likely, although Horatio/Rangi was conceived prior to En Zed. Nada was imported in 1939, but it's possible she lived by herself all those years, and Nada remained with her son as a mother and son pair.

It's interesting to know Bella and Nada hated each other. Seems to be a similar story with Brindabella and Primrose at Werribee. I'm assuming at the time Bella and Nada were attempted to be grouped together, away from En Zed to prevent any further inbreeding.

Yes and I imagine 20 would have been considered elderly given few had had the opportunity to reach their maximum life expectancy due to inadequate husbandry methods and tennis balls. Six calves by 14 years was impressive; but nothing can compared to Faith, who’d produced 14 calves (including two sets of twins) by the age of 16 years. In both cases, the numbers were upped by the fact several of the calves died.

Snorkel and Faith similarly hated each other. Faith killed at least one of Snorkel’s calves and one of Faith’s last calves was killed after a fight between all the hippos ended in Faith inadvertently crushing her calf. The 1923 exhibit was divided in two, allowing separation; but the 1982 exhibit saw the hippos merged into one group and infant mortality soar. Dividing bars were later installed to protect Snorkel from the others, who were aggressive to her.

 

[Jambo]

Yes and I imagine 20 would have been considered elderly given few had had the opportunity to reach their maximum life expectancy due to inadequate husbandry methods and tennis balls. Six calves by 14 years was impressive; but nothing can compared to Faith, who’d produced 14 calves (including two sets of twins) by the age of 16 years. In both cases, the numbers were upped by the fact several of the calves died.

Snorkel and Faith similarly hated each other. Faith killed at least one of Snorkel’s calves and one of Faith’s last calves was killed after a fight between all the hippos ended in Faith inadvertently crushing her calf. The 1923 exhibit was divided in two, allowing separation; but the 1982 exhibit saw the hippos merged into one group and infant mortality soar. Dividing bars were later installed to protect Snorkel from the others, who were aggressive to her.

I agree. Dizzie at Taronga and Rosamund at Melbourne were rather the only two long living hippos in the region at the time. It'll be interesting to compile a list; I think i'll get one up soon.

I've heard about that feud surrounding Faith and Snorkel. They were reunited in 1999, but that didn't last well before both Faith and her son, Fudge, attacked Snorkel to the point poor Snorkel couldn't enter the water whatsoever. Snorkel never had the support of other family members (besides her brother and daughter); whereas Faith had her mother, her offspring, and her siblings.

 

[Jambo]

Australasia Hippo Longevity Records

Here's a list of the eight Common hippos who've exceeded 40+ years in Australasian zoos:

1. Brutus (1965-2020) died aged 54 years, 11 months
2. Dizzie (1899-1952) died aged 53 years
3. Snorkel (1959-2010) died aged 50 years, 11 months
4. Susie (1967-2017) died aged 49 years, 7 months
5. Suzie (1970-2016) died aged 46 years, 5 months
6. Newsboy (1932-1977) died aged 45 years, 7 months
7. Billy (1950-1992+) was still alive at 42 years of age
7. Faith (1975-2016) died aged 41 years, 7 months
8. Kabete (1953-1993) died aged 40 years

There's a high chance Lindy lived until 40. She last gave birth at age 39. There's also a chance Genevieve reached her 40's, as she was last confirmed alive at the age of 36.

 

[Jambo]

Further info on Taronga's hippos:

• I've found out Elizabeth, the calf imported with Billy in 1954, was never sold to Taronga. Taronga turned her down, as they already had two fully grown cows.

• Hilda and Henrietta were the two breeders at Dubbo. One of the females was renamed Mumsy soon after. Henrietta likely died in the late 50's, due to a hippo at Melbourne being given the same name in 1961. We can assume Lindy was Henrietta's daughter as she was retained.

• The birth in 1957 (of Bonnie) was the first since Lindy's in 1954. The article indicates they were born to different mothers, so I believe Hilda (Mumsy) mothered Bonnie.

• 'Heather' delivered a calf in 1968. Although 'Heather' was apparently twelve at the time (putting her birth in 1956); it didn't make sense as there were no calves born at that time. Since, they also had Billy's birthdate wrong, i'm assuming Heather was in fact 'Mumsy'. A calf in 1968 perfectly follows 'Brutus' in 1965.

• Lindy mothered seven total calves at Taronga: Victoria (1967), Suzie (1970), (two unamed calves were born between 1973 and 1976), Happy (1977), Louise (1980) and Lucas (1982). An article following Lucas's birth details he would be Lindy's last calf; although she later gave birth at Dubbo so it's not unreasonable to assume she may have had some calves born after 1982.

• As of Feb 1979, Taronga had three hippos. I think we can assume this was; the male that was sent to Dubbo later that year, Billy and Lindy. This means Happy didn't survive much longer than a year. It was a similar situation with Louise, who wasn't alive at the time of Lucas's birth in 1982.

• The specific male, may have been a previous son of Lindy's; born between Suzie (1970) and Happy (1977). He disappeared off records in the early 80's. There's been some mention here of him being sent to Tipperary, but the specific studbook number listed is Daisy's who sent from Dubbo to Tipperary in 1989. It leads me to believe the studbook has just got her year of transfer wrong.

• An article also mentions Harry (1978) being inbred which means Toby wasn't wildborn. He was related to Suzie; likely sharing a same sire in Toby, but different parents. Toby's dam has to be Mumsy.

• There's also mention of a dam mating with her son and producing a dead calf in 2009. Ultimately, i've ruled it down to Suzie and Mana at Dubbo, and Tippi and Solucky at Cairns. I think it's highly likely Tippi and Solucky are the pair referred to here, as they previous had another calf in 2007 that didn't survive.

• It was noted Happy (1977) was Taronga's 12th hippo calf. We know Dizzie and Fatima produced four calves together. That leaves seven calves. We can be sure these were Lindy (1954), Bonnie (1957), Albert (1965), Victoria (1967) and Suzie (1970). The other seems to be Toby who was seemingly born to Mumsy. Possibly her 1968 calf? Other than that, the only other hippo who isn't mentioned is the male who was at Taronga and later sent to Dubbo in 1979. He would've made it 13..

 

[Jambo]

Taronga Founders

Thus, Taronga in the end only had three founders; Billy, Hilda (Mumsy), and Henrietta.

*Note i've only included calves that survived and have contributed to the population (there's likely many that didn't survive.

Hilda (Mumsy) mothered:
Bonnie (1957)
Albert (1965)
Toby (possibly born in 1968? or sometime prior to 1972)

Henrietta mothered:
Lindy (1954)

Lindy then went on to mother:
Victoria (1967)
Suzie (1970)

Bonnie was sent on to Auckland, and had a daughter there, Faith (1975). Faith went on to have Fudge (1988), who were two of Auckland's three hippos for more than two decades. She also mothered Fonzee (1987), who went on to sire Cuddles (2002) meaning Bonnie has great great grandchildren at Dubbo.

Albert was paired up with Victoria at Adelaide. Initially they weren't to be a breeding pair, but well, plans change, and Adelaide elected to breed the half brother and sister. They went on to produce two notable calves, Rumbin (1985), who went on to live at Dubbo and produced a daughter, named Mafuta. Unfortunately neither are still alive today. They also produced a daughter, Beatrice, who was born in the early 80's, who was sent to Werribee and mothered Brindabella (1990). Brindabella has seen given birth to a daughter, Pansy (2013).

Toby went to live at Dubbo were he sired four successful calves with Suzie, his half sister. Their four offspring were; Harry (1978), Daisy (1982), Happy (1985) and Ollie (1988). Harry was sent to Werribee were he's since fathered all five of Werribee's current girls. Daisy died en route to Tipperary station in 1989, and Happy has since died, but did sire a calf, Mafuta.

Suzie also had two other calves, Mana (1996) and Nile (1999) with her son, Ollie. Mana has since fathered three calves with Cuddles; Kibibi (2014), Kendi (2017) and Kani (2020).

 

[Zoofan15]

Additional Notes/Confirmation of Theories

Horatio/Rangi was the son of Dimazulu and Bella, so we can allocate him as the hippopotamus calf born at Auckland Zoo in January 1944 (three months prior to En Zed, who remained at the zoo).

Horatio was paired with Esmeralda (a close relative) because it wasn’t known they were related. Esmeralda was born at Melbourne in 1932 and sold to a circus two years later. When she returned in 1945, it was (incorrectly) assumed she was wild born.

Esmeralda produced three calves - two of which produced several offspring each. Their studbook numbers were Genevieve 1012 and Henrietta 1120. Genevieve was therefore the mother of Primrose.

Harold sired a total of 22 calves - including seven to Primrose (four calves) and Brindabella (three calves). This means he produced a total of 15 offspring with Genevieve, Henrietta and Beatrice, many of which would have died at birth.

Solucky had three calves - Cuddles (2002), Tippi (2004) and Unnamed (2007). The last calf was sired by Tippi. There was a mother/son mating in 2009, which produced a stillborn calf. The sire must have been one of the Dubbo bulls.

 

[Jambo]

Horatio was paired with Esmeralda (a close relative) because it wasn’t known they were related. Esmeralda was born at Melbourne in 1932 and sold to a circus two years later. When she returned in 1945, it was (incorrectly) assumed she was wild born.

I've heard that, although that dosen't really line up for me. Esmerelda was mentioned as being at Melbourne when Billy (the male sent to the circus) returned. I also have it down as Esmerelda being born in 1933.

That information you have comes from that online paper which has a lot of inaccuracies in it compared to what i've found online, including one which they believed Dimazulu was Rangi, which after further research, we've identified this not to be the case.

Esmeralda produced three calves - two of which produced several offspring each. Their studbook numbers were Genevieve 1012 and Henrietta 1120. Genevieve was therefore the mother of Primrose.

That's correct, Genevieve is the mother of Primrose, and also the male born at Werribee in 1985, who was later sent to Tipperary.

Harold sired a total of 22 calves - including seven to Primrose (four calves) and Brindabella (three calves). This means he produced a total of 15 offspring with Genevieve, Henrietta and Beatrice, many of which would have died at birth.

That's interesting. Harold sired quite a lot of calves! We know of an additional four (1985 male, 1989 male, Brindabella and Primrose), but other than that, i'm not sure. I don't believe Henrietta was bred from due to her inability to raise calves, so those other 11 calves were likely born to Genevieve and Beatrice in the 80's and 90's.

 

[Jambo]

Solucky had three calves - Cuddles (2002), Tippi (2004) and Unnamed (2007). The last calf was sired by Tippi. There was a mother/son mating in 2009, which produced a stillborn calf. The sire must have been one of the Dubbo bulls.

If Solucky never had another calf in 2009, we can reasonably assume Mana sired the calf with his mother, Suzie. Mana was sent to the Savannah exhibit that same year which is too much of a coincidence imo. He was likely sent there to prevent further inbreeding, as the main lake can only hold two groups (Suzie and Nile) and (Happy and Rumbin).