Australasian Hippo Population

[Jambo]

Hippos for Monarto

In 2023, the following Common hippopotamus will be transferred from Werribee Open Range Zoo to Monarto Zoo:

0.1 Brindabella (09/12/1990) Harold x Unknown
0.1 Pansy (18/11/2013) Harold x Brindabella

This will leave Werribee Open Range Zoo with the following:

0.1 Primrose (01/12/1990) Harold x Unknown
0.1 Tulip (01/01/2003) Harold x Primrose
0.1 Lotus (28/03/2008) Harold x Primrose

This transfer will put Monarto Zoo in a stronger position to receive a breeding bull given Brindabella and her daughter are more valuable genetically than Primrose and her daughters and that there’s a greater potential to build a cohesive pods around this mother-daughter dyad.

Breeding from Pansy would require the introduction of Pansy and her calf to one adult female (Brindabella) versus breeding from Tulip or Lotus, who’d each be rejoining two adult cows upon the births of their calves.

That's very exciting news for Monarto. They'll be one of the first new Common Hippo holders within the region in a long time. It makes sense for Werribee to send Brindabella and Pansy, as it gives Werribee more space to breed in the future. Both Brindabella and Pansy are also descendants of Adelaide's previous pair, Brutus and Suzie, so i'm sure they'll be quite popular amongst visitors.

Monarto's funding seems to indicate more than just these two cows though. It's possible they plan to further import at least a bull as well from overseas.

Werribee have the space to seperate all three females if needed. Primrose likely won't be breeding. Do you think Tulip still has a chance? I'd imagine Werribee would breed one of the two females at a time (if Tulip is still breed-able), and keep mother and calf seperate for around six months or so before reintroducing them to the other cows. If future incidents occur, such as the other females killing the calves, Werribee could aim to keep the female and calf seperate for much longer until the calf is much bigger, or if they have too; seperate one of the females permanently. Yes, Primrose has killed calves before, but those were Brindabella's. There's a higher chance she'd accept calves of her daughter's, especially as she's no longer having calves of her own.

 

[Polar bear fan]

That's very exciting news for Monarto. They'll be one of the first new Common Hippo holders within the region in a long time. It makes sense for Werribee to send Brindabella and Pansy, as it gives Werribee more space to breed in the future. Both Brindabella and Pansy are also descendants of Adelaide's previous pair, Brutus and Suzie, so i'm sure they'll be quite popular amongst visitors.

Monarto's funding seems to indicate more than just these two cows though. It's possible they plan to further import at least a bull as well from overseas.

Werribee have the space to seperate all three females if needed. Primrose likely won't be breeding. Do you think Tulip still has a chance? I'd imagine Werribee would breed one of the two females at a time (if Tulip is still breed-able), and keep mother and calf seperate for around six months or so before reintroducing them to the other cows. If future incidents occur, such as the other females killing the calves, Werribee could aim to keep the female and calf seperate for much longer until the calf is much bigger, or if they have too; seperate one of the females permanently. Yes, Primrose has killed calves before, but those were Brindabella's. There's a higher chance she'd accept calves of her daughter's, especially as she's no longer having calves of her own.

I think they’ll still try to breed from Primrose if Kani moves in within a year or two. She’s only 32 I believe which should still mean she has time for one more calf before she’s 40. She’s also the least inbred of the trio so that may work in her favor as well.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's very exciting news for Monarto. They'll be one of the first new Common Hippo holders within the region in a long time. It makes sense for Werribee to send Brindabella and Pansy, as it gives Werribee more space to breed in the future. Both Brindabella and Pansy are also descendants of Adelaide's previous pair, Brutus and Suzie, so i'm sure they'll be quite popular amongst visitors.

Monarto's funding seems to indicate more than just these two cows though. It's possible they plan to further import at least a bull as well from overseas.

Werribee have the space to seperate all three females if needed. Primrose likely won't be breeding. Do you think Tulip still has a chance? I'd imagine Werribee would breed one of the two females at a time (if Tulip is still breed-able), and keep mother and calf seperate for around six months or so before reintroducing them to the other cows. If future incidents occur, such as the other females killing the calves, Werribee could aim to keep the female and calf seperate for much longer until the calf is much bigger, or if they have too; seperate one of the females permanently. Yes, Primrose has killed calves before, but those were Brindabella's. There's a higher chance she'd accept calves of her daughter's, especially as she's no longer having calves of her own.

I think they’ll still try to breed from Primrose if Kani moves in within a year or two. She’s only 32 I believe which should still mean she has time for one more calf before she’s 40. She’s also the least inbred of the trio so that may work in her favor as well.

It'd be fantastic if this transfer could be followed with an import from overseas, but since this will still be several years away, I suspect they're eyeing up Kani at Monarto. Bulls as young as three have sired calves, which is the age Kani will be when these cows are transferred in 2023.

They may wait for Kani to sire a calf to one or more of the cows in his natal herd (ideally a bull calf) before transferring him. If transferred to Monarto, bull calves born there could be transfered back to Dubbo to breed with their aunts (if fresh imports never materialise over the next decade); with the option to transfer Kani (or a son) to Werribee from there.

As far as I'm aware, hippopotamus aren't subject to the fertility issues that afflict elephants from not breeding. Petre at Taronga bred for the first time aged 24 years for example. With this in mind, I see no reason Tulip and Lotus couldn't breed now (or over the next few years). Snorkel at Auckland Zoo produced her last calf at 32 (and only stopped there through contraception), so I'm confident Brindabella and Primrose could conceive if there was an opportunity to do so.

 

[Zorro]

That's very exciting news for Monarto. They'll be one of the first new Common Hippo holders within the region in a long time. It makes sense for Werribee to send Brindabella and Pansy, as it gives Werribee more space to breed in the future. Both Brindabella and Pansy are also descendants of Adelaide's previous pair, Brutus and Suzie, so i'm sure they'll be quite popular amongst visitors.

Monarto's funding seems to indicate more than just these two cows though. It's possible they plan to further import at least a bull as well from overseas.

Werribee have the space to seperate all three females if needed. Primrose likely won't be breeding. Do you think Tulip still has a chance? I'd imagine Werribee would breed one of the two females at a time (if Tulip is still breed-able), and keep mother and calf seperate for around six months or so before reintroducing them to the other cows. If future incidents occur, such as the other females killing the calves, Werribee could aim to keep the female and calf seperate for much longer until the calf is much bigger, or if they have too; seperate one of the females permanently. Yes, Primrose has killed calves before, but those were Brindabella's. There's a higher chance she'd accept calves of her daughter's, especially as she's no longer having calves of her own.

Lets hope all holders are now looking overseas for possible bulls and save some valuable time for when the green light is given for imports

 

[Jambo]

It'd be fantastic if this transfer could be followed with an import from overseas, but since this will still be several years away, I suspect they're eyeing up Kani at Monarto. Bulls as young as three have sired calves, which is the age Kani will be when these cows are transferred in 2023.

They may wait for Kani to sire a calf to one or more of the cows in his natal herd (ideally a bull calf) before transferring him. If transferred to Monarto, bull calves born there could be transfered back to Dubbo to breed with their aunts (if fresh imports never materialise over the next decade); with the option to transfer Kani (or a son) to Werribee from there.

As far as I'm aware, hippopotamus aren't subject to the fertility issues that afflict elephants from not breeding. Petre at Taronga bred for the first time aged 24 years for example. With this in mind, I see no reason Tulip and Lotus couldn't breed now (or over the next few years). Snorkel at Auckland Zoo produced her last calf at 32 (and only stopped there through contraception), so I'm confident Brindabella and Primrose could conceive if there was an opportunity to do so.

I can see Dubbo breeding Kani first, with possibly Nile before transfer (with hopefully a bull calf born); just to ensure that there's a secondary back up bull within the region just in case something happens to Kani. Kani could then be transferred to either Monarto or Werribee.

Werribee do already have the breeding facilities, so i'd assume the fact that they're sending Brindabella away means they have plans to import a bull for future breeding (I believe its Kani).

Monarto could then very well receive Kani's son from Dubbo, and Dubbo could (in the future) receive a son of Kani's born at Werribee, or if they're willing to wait a little longer, a more distantly related grandson of Kani's from Monarto.

It's good to know that hippos aren't subject to fertility issues. It may even be ideal for Primrose to breed first, as she's experienced and a calf from her (especially a bull) would be much more valuable to send back to Dubbo instead of a calf from her two daughters. I just don't see Werribee breeding all three cows; especially with spatial limitations within the region. If they do indeed decide to continue to breed from Primrose, than i'd find it highly likely they only breed from one of her daughters.

 

[Zoofan15]

I can see Dubbo breeding Kani first, with possibly Nile before transfer (with hopefully a bull calf born); just to ensure that there's a secondary back up bull within the region just in case something happens to Kani. Kani could then be transferred to either Monarto or Werribee. Werribee do already have the breeding facilities, so i'd assume the fact that they're sending Brindabella away means they have plans to import a bull for future breeding (I believe its Kani).

Monarto could then very well receive Kani's son from Dubbo, and Dubbo could (in the future) receive a son of Kani born at Werribee, or if they're willing to wait a little longer, a more distantly related grandson of Kani's from Monarto.

It's good to know that hippos aren't subject to fertility issues. It may even be ideal for Primrose to breed first, as she's experienced and a calf from her (especially a bull) would be much more valuable to send back to Dubbo instead of a calf from her two daughters. I just don't see Werribee breeding all three cows; especially with spatial limitations within the region. If they do decide to continue to breed from Primrose, than i'd find it highly likely they'd only breed from one of her daughters.

Kani and Nile would be a better genetic match, though given Kani won't be full grown at three years, they might be reluctant to pair him with an unfamiliar cow, who could potentially injure him. Though not ideal, a mother-son mating with Cuddles could be the safer option. Ideally we wouldn't even need the bull calf the mating would produce, but it'd be foolish not have a contingency plan.

I feel if Primrose's pod of 0.3 were to be given priority in breeding over Brindabella's of 0.2, then the larger pod would have been sent to Monarto who could fully utilise them. Like you say, Werribee is limited on space and would probably only breed from one female at a time. A failure to integrate could mean that cow and calf may have to permanently split off from the other two. With this in mind, breeding from Primrose first makes more sense given her daughters and similar in age and could long term remain a pod of two.

 

[Zoofan15]

Lets hope all holders are now looking overseas for possible bulls and save some valuable time for when the green light is given for imports

It would be good to import at least one unrelated cow too given the relatedness of our population. Brindabella and Primrose are half sisters via their sire, who's a half brother of Mana (sire of Kibibi and Kendi).

Cuddles appears to be the most unrelated cow given she descends from the Kabete/Nada/Bonnie lines; though given Bonnie was Taronga born, she's likely a distant relative to the others.

 

[Zorro]

It would be good to import at least one unrelated cow too given the relatedness of our population. Brindabella and Primrose are half sisters via their sire, who's a half brother of Mana (sire of Kibibi and Kendi).

Cuddles appears to be the most unrelated cow given she descends from the Kabete/Nada/Bonnie lines; though given Bonnie was Taronga born, she's likely a distant relative to the others.

I agree. I believe there are quite a few river and pygmy hippos in some Asian zoos perhaps a good source to import from?

 

[Jambo]

I agree. I believe there are quite a few river and pygmy hippos in some Asian zoos perhaps a good source to import from?

I think if Australian zoos where to work together to import some hippos from overseas, they'd most likely come from Asian zoos, which have quite an abundance of them, and are the closest to Australia. I doubt we'd see a hippo transferred halfway across the world from places like Europe.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree. I believe there are quite a few river and pygmy hippos in some Asian zoos perhaps a good source to import from?

I think if Australian zoos where to work together to import some hippos from overseas, they'd most likely come from Asian zoos, which have quite an abundance of them, and are the closest to Australia. I doubt we'd see a hippo transferred halfway across the world from places like Europe.

Taman Safari in Indonesia have a decent number of hippos, which would be ironic considering sending Solucky and Tippi there (especially Tippi ) was a contributing factor to the mess we're in now.

 

[Zorro]

Taman Safari in Indonesia have a decent number of hippos, which would be ironic considering sending Solucky and Tippi there (especially Tippi ) was a contributing factor to the mess we're in now.

Perhaps little forward planning at the time

 

[Zoofan15]

Perhaps little forward planning at the time

Agreed. It was a case of Dubbo and Werribee both being content to sit on the bulls they had. Werribee were limited by space; and Dubbo would have reasoned Tippi was surplus to their breeding programme given future cows would be bred from his full sister (Cuddles).

Potentially Tippi could have bred with Nile, who was related to both Dubbo bulls (Happy and Mana) and now Werribee will soon have space to receive a bull, he'd really come into his own.

 

[Jambo]

Taman Safari in Indonesia have a decent number of hippos, which would be ironic considering sending Solucky and Tippi there (especially Tippi ) was a contributing factor to the mess we're in now.

Australian zoos had the chance to buy the three hippos but both Dubbo and Werribee didn't. Luckily, Seaworld brought Cuddles but later ended up selling her to Dubbo where she could breed.

 

[Zorro]

Australian zoos had the chance to buy the three hippos but both Dubbo and Werribee didn't. Luckily, Seaworld brought Cuddles but later ended up selling her to Dubbo where she could breed.

So really the only thing which saved the hippos in the country was Seaworlds purchase which accidentally had a unplanned saving effect , hats off to Seaworld but this shows one how disconnected some are within our major zoos it’s not rocket science knowing that retaining them was a wise move because no imports are allowed in was a no brainer

 

[Zoofan15]

Australian zoos had the chance to buy the three hippos but both Dubbo and Werribee didn't. Luckily, Seaworld brought Cuddles but later ended up selling her to Dubbo where she could breed.

So really the only thing which saved the hippos in the country was Seaworlds purchase which accidentally had a unplanned saving effect , hats off to Seaworld but this shows one how disconnected some are within our major zoos it’s not rocket science knowing that retaining them was a wise move because no imports are allowed in was a no brainer

That's right, I forgot it was Sea World's inadvertant initiative/folly that resulted in the region retaining Cuddles. It's surprising Sea World didn't buy Solucky too for company. Presumably they were hoping to receive a surplus bull from Dubbo and breed as this would maximise visitation over two non reproductive females.

It's a great shame Auckland castrated Fudge before Kabete died. On hindsight, they could have bred from Snorkel once and housed two pods across the decade that preceded the demolition of the 1982 exhibit for the NZ precinct.

Orana would be ideal for hippos, but the import costs have made it prohibitive. Had hippos been readily available from Auckland, its hard to say whether they would have invested in the upkeep of this species (filtration etc), but at worst, it'd remain a possibility

 

[Jambo]

That's right, I forgot it was Sea World's inadvertant initiative/folly that resulted in the region retaining Cuddles. It's surprising Sea World didn't buy Solucky too for company. Presumably they were hoping to receive a surplus bull from Dubbo and breed as this would maximise visitation over two non reproductive females.

Seaworld didn't have an entirety of space and so were likely only planning to pair Cuddles with a bull from Dubbo or even Werribee (if one was born there). I can't imagine what the regional population would look like if Seaworld didn't take the half hearted initiative to buy Cuddles. The region would be without a male, and Dubbo would only have a single hippo.

Dubbo did have two bulls at the time, but could have easily made use of Solucky as well; considering Rumbin had recently died, and the only breed-able female left was Nile. Dubbo could have easily paired Solucky with Happy, if Cuddles was to be paired with Mana.

 

[Zoofan15]

Seaworld didn't have an entirety of space and so were likely only planning to pair Cuddles with a bull from Dubbo or even Werribee (if one was born there). I can't imagine what the regional population would look like if Seaworld didn't take the half hearted initiative to buy Cuddles. The region would be without a male, and Dubbo would only have a single hippo.

Dubbo did have two bulls at the time, but could have easily made use of Solucky as well; considering Rumbin had recently died, and the only breed-able female left was Nile. Dubbo could have easily paired Solucky with Happy, if Cuddles was to be paired with Mana.

Had she been retained, Solucky would be the most valuable hippopotamus in the breeding programme. There’s also the possibility she and Cuddles could have cohabited with their respective calves if they were able to be isolated during the critical first few months.

In addition to the good fortune of Sea World retaining Cuddles within the region is the decision made by Tipperary Station to breed Fonzee and Solucky. This preserved the Kabete/Bonnie and Kabete/Nada line, the latter which has no other representation in the region.

Solucky was named due to the fact it was sheer luck she survived. Born in a pool containing three adults (including her sire and another cow; as well as a juvenile bull), it was a miracle she survived. Her mother had many calves prior and many calves after that were killed as neonates.

 

[Zoofan15]

Common Hippopotamus Regional Management Plan

First of all, thanks to @Abbey for digging up this document I hadn’t read in a while. https://aszk.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mammals.-Common-Hippo-2009RJ.pdf

The Past (2005)

It was interesting to read over the five year management plan for this species (dated 2005):

The population then comprised of 15 Common hippopotamus: 1.1 at Adelaide; 1.2 at Auckland; 1.3 at Werribee; and 2.4 at Dubbo. The 1.2 hippos at Mareeba were noted, but not included in the regional population due to be held at a non-participating facility.

A population target of 24 hippos was set for 2010 - with it acknowledged that wasn’t possible with the current number of hippopotami and that importation would be required.

It was noted the plan was for two additional holders to come on board. Crocodylus planned to acquire a breeding pair and Monarto planned to acquire three females. Adelaide, Auckland and Dubbo would maintain their populations; while the plan was for Werribee to grow their population from 1.3 to 1.5.2 hippopotami.

It was suggested that a minimum import of 1.1 would be required with imports sourced from the USA.

The Present (2022)

Despite identifying the urgent need for an IRA for Australia and an IHS for New Zealand in 2005, we are still waiting for this 17 years later.

Auckland and Adelaide Zoo have since phased out with their combined 2.3 hippopotami now deceased.

0.1 from Mareeba unexpectedly entered the population. This provided Dubbo with an unrelated cow and resulted in them successfully breeding 1.2 calves.

Werribee initially achieved their target of 1.5 hippos with the birth of a further two female calves in 2008 and 2013. No further births followed with the death of their bull in 2014.

Monarto have party achieved their goal of acquiring three cows by acquiring two cows.

Crocodylus have never acquired hippos, likely due to a lack of availability within the region.

The Future (2025)

This document noted a few additional points of interest:

It recommended bulls were a minimum of five years old prior to breeding; and classed cows as post reproductive at 34 years of age.

Monarto stated an intention to hold a non breeding pod of cows; while Werribee was identified as a suitable facility for breeding.

It was stated high levels of inbreeding should be avoided (e.g. mother/son and brother/sister); while older animals should be given priority for breeding over younger animals.

With these points in mind, it suggests Kani will be transferred to Werribee Open Range Zoo for breeding rather than Monarto. While Monarto may well intend to breed in the future, Brindabella will be at the end of her reproductive life (a few hippos have bred into their late 30’s); while Tulip (2003) and Lotus (2008) should be prioritised over Pansy (2013). The transfer would likely take place around 2025.

 

[Abbey]

Common Hippopotamus Regional Management Plan

First of all, thanks to @Abbey for digging up this document I hadn’t read in a while. https://aszk.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mammals.-Common-Hippo-2009RJ.pdf

The Past (2005)

It was interesting to read over the five year management plan for this species (dated 2005):

The population then comprised of 15 Common hippopotamus: 1.1 at Adelaide; 1.2 at Auckland; 1.3 at Werribee; and 2.4 at Dubbo. The 1.2 hippos at Mareeba were noted, but not included in the regional population due to be held at a non-participating facility.

A population target of 24 hippos was set for 2010 - with it acknowledged that wasn’t possible with the current number of hippopotami and that importation would be required.

It was noted the plan was for two additional holders to come on board. Crocodylus planned to acquire a breeding pair and Monarto planned to acquire three females. Adelaide, Auckland and Dubbo would maintain their populations; while the plan was for Werribee to grow their population from 1.3 to 1.5.2 hippopotami.

It was suggested that a minimum import of 1.1 would be required with imports sourced from the USA.

The Present (2022)

Despite identifying the urgent need for an IRA for Australia and an IHS for New Zealand in 2005, we are still waiting for this 17 years later.

Auckland and Adelaide Zoo have since phased out with their combined 2.3 hippopotami now deceased.

0.1 from Mareeba unexpectedly entered the population. This provided Dubbo with an unrelated cow and resulted in them successfully breeding 1.2 calves.

Werribee initially achieved their target of 1.5 hippos with the birth of a further two female calves in 2008 and 2013. No further births followed with the death of their bull in 2014.

Monarto have party achieved their goal of acquiring three cows by acquiring two cows.

Crocodylus have never acquired hippos, likely due to a lack of availability within the region.

The Future (2025)

This document noted a few additional points of interest:

It recommended bulls were a minimum of five years old prior to breeding; and classed cows as post reproductive at 34 years of age.

Monarto stated an intention to hold a non breeding pod of cows; while Werribee was identified as a suitable facility for breeding.

It was stated high levels of inbreeding should be avoided (e.g. mother/son and brother/sister); while older animals should be given priority for breeding over younger animals.

With these points in mind, it suggests Kani will be transferred to Werribee Open Range Zoo for breeding rather than Monarto. While Monarto may well intend to breed in the future, Brindabella will be at the end of her reproductive life (a few hippos have bred into their late 30’s); while Tulip (2003) and Lotus (2008) should be prioritised over Pansy (2013). The transfer would likely take place around 2025.

You're welcome - thank you for this very interesting summary of the document and what its recommendations might mean going forward.

 

[Zoofan15]

You're welcome - thank you for this very interesting summary of the document and what its recommendations might mean going forward.

No problem.

Obviously 17 years is a long time and Monarto may well have changed their approach to intending to receive a bull; but as detailed above, the case for Kani being transferred to Werribee is far stronger.

I hope the hippopotamus IRA finally happens now the Bovid IRA is finally complete, but the fact they were talking about the need for it in 2005 highlights how slow progress can be.

It was interesting reading them detail the desperate need for imports. Fast forward and the population has been reduced to a single bull and a handful of cows!