Auckland Zoo Common Hippopotami at Auckland Zoo

[Zorro]

Perhaps they could add Pygmy Hippos to that exhibit at some stage!

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

No, Common hippopotamus will not be returning to Auckland Zoo. The death of Fudge (aged 28 years) obviously came as a shock to them though as the species was accommodated in the 2014 updated master plan:

https://cdn.fbsbx.com/v/t59.2708-21...1in5XuIkdYPfzNUBiPz898fub-rfJXa9RUmveuf046Ams

“The redeveloped hippopotamus exhibit centres on underwater viewing that allows visitors to see these magnificent animals from a whole new angle. This engaging new experience is just as popular as the Zoo’s original underwater viewing window at The Coast - Takutai. Further enhancing the experience is a play space that reinforces the enormity of these animals and their relation- ship with water.”

Instead, the zoo has redeveloped this exhibit as an extension of the Southern white rhinoceros exhibit. This has been of benefit now they’re breeding rhinos (a calf is due this year) and have added a decent sized herd of Nyala. There’s some good shots of the redevelopment in this video:

On the print in they inform us that at some point in the future they are looking to bring back common hippo. It is at the start of the video streamline!

 

[Zoofan15]

On the print in they inform us that at some point in the future they are looking to bring back common hippo. It is at the start of the video streamline!

Yes, the zoo made a comment about obtaining more hippos in the future, which I suspect was a throwaway comment in the wake of Faith’s death. The hippos were crowd favourites and hearing that the zoo may get more hippos one day would have gone down better than “We have no intention of ever replacing them.”

In short, Common hippopotami are not well suited to a city zoo; and the effluent run off is immense, which makes keeping the pool clean expensive and a challenge. I’m not aware of plans to import Pygmy hippos, but I agree with Zorro it was the logical thing to do with the exhibit in 2016. That chance has now been missed.