Auckland Zoo Common Hippopotami at Auckland Zoo

Zoofan15

Zoofan15

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Common Hippopotami at Auckland Zoo
Hippopotamus amphibius​

Female Nada was imported from Taronga Zoo in 1939 as a mate for Auckland Zoo’s male hippopotamus, Dimazulu:​

Nada (F)
Born at Taronga Zoo 01/01/1937
Arrived at Auckland Zoo 13/03/1939
Died at Auckland Zoo 12/12/1965

Nada gave birth to:

En Zed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 25/04/1944
Fate Unknown
Sire: Dimazulu

Unknown (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 01/01/1947
Fate Unknown
Sire: Dimazulu

Khama (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 14/03/1950
Fate Unknown
Sire: Dimazulu

After Dimazulu was exported to Melbourne Zoo, a new male named Kabete was imported from Kenya:

Kabete (M)
Wildborn 01/01/1953
Arrived at Auckland Zoo 01/10/1956
Died at Auckland Zoo 20/05/1993

Nada gave birth to:

Snorkel (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 14/10/1959
Died at Auckland Zoo 30/09/2010
Sire: Kabete

Kiboko (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/08/1961
Fate Unknown
Sire: Kabete

Scuba (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 26/01/1964
Died at Auckland Zoo 03/07/1980
Sire: Kabete

Nada’s daughter, Snorkel, gave birth to:

Hope (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 24/01/1973
Died at Auckland Zoo 06/04/1983
Sire: Scuba

Solucky (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/03/1987
Sent to Tipperary Station 10/03/1988
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/12/1988
Died at Auckland Zoo 18/12/1988
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 20/02/1990
Died at Auckland Zoo 20/02/1990
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 11/02/1991
Died at Auckland Zoo 11/02/1991
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 01/09/1991
Died at Auckland Zoo 01/09/1991
Sire: Kabete

Snorkel’s daughter, Hope, gave birth to:

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/11/1979
Died at Auckland Zoo 13/11/1979
Sire: Kabete

Chad (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/11/1979
Died at Auckland Zoo 19/11/1979
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 11/10/1980
Died at Auckland Zoo 11/10/1980
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 30/06/1981
Died at Auckland Zoo 30/06/1981
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 23/03/1982
Died at Auckland Zoo 23/03/1982
Sire: Kabete

After Nada’s death, a new female named Bonnie was imported from Taronga Zoo:

Bonnie (F)
Born at Taronga Zoo 17/11/1957
Arrived at Auckland Zoo 21/12/1966
Died at Auckland Zoo 31/05/1982

Bonnie gave birth to:

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 01/03/1968
Died at Auckland Zoo 04/03/1968
Sire: Unknown

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/03/1969
Died at Auckland Zoo 02/04/1969
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/11/1969
Died at Auckland Zoo 29/11/1969
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/05/1971
Died at Auckland Zoo 19/05/1971
Sire: Scuba

Wahahui (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 20/06/1972
Died at Auckland Zoo 18/10/1972
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 17/06/1973
Died at Auckland Zoo 17/06/1973
Sire: Kabete

Faith (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 05/01/1975
Died at Auckland Zoo 16/08/2016
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 12/11/1977
Died at Auckland Zoo 12/11/1977
Sire: Scuba

Bonnie’s daughter, Faith, gave birth to:

Floyd (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/09/1982
Died at Auckland Zoo 23/12/1987
Sire: Kabete

Fonzee (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 26/04/1987
Sent to Tipperary Station 10/03/1988
Sire: Kabete

Fatima (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/03/1988
Died at Auckland Zoo 31/03/1988
Sire: Kabete

Fudge (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/03/1988
Died at Auckland Zoo 26/03/2016
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/09/1989
Died at Auckland Zoo 28/09/1989
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/05/1990
Died at Auckland Zoo 28/05/1990
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 17/03/1991
Died at Auckland Zoo 22/03/1991
Sire: Kabete

Additional notes/info:

Castration of male hippopotami was trialled at Auckland Zoo. The testes are located internally, which combined with the risk of anaesthetic, make it a difficult and risky procedure. It was carried out unsuccessfully on Floyd in 1987 and successfully on Fudge in 1993. Females were contracepted through contraceptive pills and injections to induce abortions. The last births were in 1991 to Faith and Snorkel.

Nada’s line is survived in the region at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo by her great grandaughter. Snorkel’s daughter, Solucky (born 1987), was sent to Tipperary Station where she was bred against recommendation to produce a female calf named Cuddles (born 2002). Cuddles is TWPZ’s breeding female and has to date produced two surviving female calves: Kibibi (born 2014) and Kendi (born 2017).

The pregnancy of a female hippopotamus lasts just under 8 months. Females often experience post-partum oestrous, explaining the short inter-birth intervals between some calves.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Common Hippopotami at Auckland Zoo
Hippopotamus amphibius​

Female Nada was imported from Taronga Zoo in 1939 as a mate for Auckland Zoo’s male hippopotamus, Dimazulu:​

Nada (F)
Born at Taronga Zoo 01/01/1937
Arrived at Auckland Zoo 13/03/1939
Died at Auckland Zoo 12/12/1965

Nada gave birth to:

En Zed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 25/04/1944
Fate Unknown
Sire: Dimazulu

Unknown (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 01/01/1947
Fate Unknown
Sire: Dimazulu

Khama (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 14/03/1950
Fate Unknown
Sire: Dimazulu

After Dimazulu was exported to Melbourne Zoo, a new male named Kabete was imported from Kenya:

Kabete (M)
Wildborn 01/01/1953
Arrived at Auckland Zoo 01/10/1956
Died at Auckland Zoo 20/05/1993

Nada gave birth to:

Snorkel (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 14/10/1959
Died at Auckland Zoo 30/09/2010
Sire: Kabete

Kiboko (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/08/1961
Fate Unknown
Sire: Kabete

Scuba (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 26/01/1964
Died at Auckland Zoo 03/07/1980
Sire: Kabete

Nada’s daughter, Snorkel, gave birth to:

Hope (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 24/01/1973
Died at Auckland Zoo 06/04/1983
Sire: Scuba

Solucky (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/03/1987
Sent to Tipperary Station 10/03/1988
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/12/1988
Died at Auckland Zoo 18/12/1988
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 20/02/1990
Died at Auckland Zoo 20/02/1990
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 11/02/1991
Died at Auckland Zoo 11/02/1991
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 01/09/1991
Died at Auckland Zoo 01/09/1991
Sire: Kabete

Snorkel’s daughter, Hope, gave birth to:

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/11/1979
Died at Auckland Zoo 13/11/1979
Sire: Kabete

Chad (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/11/1979
Died at Auckland Zoo 19/11/1979
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 11/10/1980
Died at Auckland Zoo 11/10/1980
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 30/06/1981
Died at Auckland Zoo 30/06/1981
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 23/03/1982
Died at Auckland Zoo 23/03/1982
Sire: Kabete

After Nada’s death, a new female named Bonnie was imported from Taronga Zoo:

Bonnie (F)
Born at Taronga Zoo 17/11/1957
Arrived at Auckland Zoo 21/12/1966
Died at Auckland Zoo 31/05/1982

Bonnie gave birth to:

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 01/03/1968
Died at Auckland Zoo 04/03/1968
Sire: Unknown

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/03/1969
Died at Auckland Zoo 02/04/1969
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/11/1969
Died at Auckland Zoo 29/11/1969
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/05/1971
Died at Auckland Zoo 19/05/1971
Sire: Scuba

Wahahui (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 20/06/1972
Died at Auckland Zoo 18/10/1972
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 17/06/1973
Died at Auckland Zoo 17/06/1973
Sire: Kabete

Faith (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 05/01/1975
Died at Auckland Zoo 16/08/2016
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 12/11/1977
Died at Auckland Zoo 12/11/1977
Sire: Scuba

Bonnie’s daughter, Faith, gave birth to:

Floyd (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/09/1982
Died at Auckland Zoo 23/12/1987
Sire: Kabete

Fonzee (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 26/04/1987
Sent to Tipperary Station 10/03/1988
Sire: Kabete

Fatima (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/03/1988
Died at Auckland Zoo 31/03/1988
Sire: Kabete

Fudge (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/03/1988
Died at Auckland Zoo 26/03/2016
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/09/1989
Died at Auckland Zoo 28/09/1989
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/05/1990
Died at Auckland Zoo 28/05/1990
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 17/03/1991
Died at Auckland Zoo 22/03/1991
Sire: Kabete

Additional notes/info:

Castration of male hippopotami was trialled at Auckland Zoo. The testes are located internally, which combined with the risk of anaesthetic, make it a difficult and risky procedure. It was carried out unsuccessfully on Floyd in 1987 and successfully on Fudge in 1993. Females were contracepted through contraceptive pills and injections to induce abortions. The last births were in 1991 to Faith and Snorkel.

Nada’s line is survived in the region at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo by her great grandaughter. Snorkel’s daughter, Solucky (born 1987), was sent to Tipperary Station where she was bred against recommendation to produce a female calf named Cuddles (born 2002). Cuddles is TWPZ’s breeding female and has to date produced two surviving female calves: Kibibi (born 2014) and Kendi (born 2017).

The pregnancy of a female hippopotamus lasts just under 8 months. Females often experience post-partum oestrous, explaining the short inter-birth intervals between some calves.
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Interesting list. You have Fudge down as (F) though he was castrated... Its interesting this list contains a significant number of calves that either died soon after birth or only survived a few days, despite the mother having raised previous offspring.. This is very similar to some European breeding records for Hippo also.
 
Pertinax said:
Interesting list. You have Fudge down as (F) though he was castrated... Its interesting this list contains a significant number of calves that either died soon after birth or only survived a few days, despite the mother having raised previous offspring.. This is very similar to some European breeding records for Hippo also.
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How embarassing, I used Fatima (Fudge's twin) as a template for Fudge as they had the same date of birth, place of birth and father. I changed the name and date of death but forgot to change the F to an M for gender.

Yes, a large number of calves died. I believe the majority were killed by other hippopotamus in the enclosure. The fate of the calves seem to cluster eg. two calves born in 1987 survived, and one born in 1988 survived, while several born in the late 70s/early 80s and early 90s died. I'm guessing this indicated a condition in their environment eg. in 1987, there was the facilities to separate the mother and calf but the increased population density in earlier or later times meant there wasn't.

Does anyone know how many enclosures they've had through the years? I believe the original enclosure was divided into two? And indeed quite a few calves survived as the male could be separated from the mother and calf. How about the Western Spring expansion enclosure? I don't know what year they moved into it (1970s-1980s?) but by then there would have had several animals and conditions would have been quite cramped.
 
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Chaka and Bella

I found this article on Chaka and Bella. They were Auckland Zoo's first pair of Common hippopotamus and produced 6 calves together. The youngest, a male named Dimazulu, was born in 1937 and bred with Nada (see Post #1 of this thread) to produce the third generation.

Bella and Chaka the First Hippos at Auckland Zoological Gardens | Hippopotamus | Zoo

Chaka died in 1937; but the author doesn't know the date of death for Bella. I found this article from 1954 which suggests she had died that year:

They'll see hippo in the bar - The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) - 1 Oct 1954

An Auckland publican. Mr Charles Nicholson, who had a beer-drinking Tuatara lizard in his bar until zoo authorities removed it, has bought the head and hoofs of a hippopotamus from the Auckland Zoo. They will be displayed in his bar. The hippopotamus, Bella, died of injuries received in a fight with another of her ilk.
 
Fourth Generation of Common Hippopotamus at Auckland Zoo:

I also found this article from 1950:

Baby Hippo At N. Z. Zoo - Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954) - 29 May 1950

A visitor's report to a keeper that mother hippo was bashing its youngster was first intimation Auckland Zoo had that the hippo had given birth to a baby. The mother was born in the zoo three and a half years ago. Before being rescued by the staff the new arrival had dived over a miniature waterfall and gone through a grid separating the mother and father's pens. The youngster is how keeping alongside mother. The curator hopes it will live, notwithstanding its lively first hour of life.

I believe the mother was Nada's second calf since this hippo (listed as unknown name and gender on the records I have) was born 1947 (see Post #1 of this thread). This article therefore confirms Nada's second calf was a female, and that she gave birth to the fourth generation of Common hippopotamus at Auckland Zoo in 1950.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Chaka and Bella

I found this article on Chaka and Bella. They were Auckland Zoo's first pair of Common hippopotamus and produced 6 calves together. The youngest, a male named Dimazulu, was born in 1937 and bred with Nada (see Post #1 of this thread) to produce the third generation.

Bella and Chaka the First Hippos at Auckland Zoological Gardens | Hippopotamus | Zoo

Chaka died in 1937; but the author doesn't know the date of death for Bella. I found this article from 1954 which suggests she had died that year:

They'll see hippo in the bar - The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) - 1 Oct 1954

An Auckland publican. Mr Charles Nicholson, who had a beer-drinking Tuatara lizard in his bar until zoo authorities removed it, has bought the head and hoofs of a hippopotamus from the Auckland Zoo. They will be displayed in his bar. The hippopotamus, Bella, died of injuries received in a fight with another of her ilk.
Click to expand...

Great article!

I find these statements regarding the hippo enclosure interesting:

1. Auckland Zoo set about enlarging the creek coming from the Western springs lake, enclosing it with a stone and iron fence to create a space for the anticipated new arrival.

2. (Chaka) has occupied a bachelor pond higher up, but the iron grating between did not prevent him taking note of what went on in the old home.

3. Chaka, immobile and half submerged, nestled against the iron bars of his pool glancing from one half opened eye under the bridge to the next pool, where Bella and her baby lay in shallow water.

These statements give descriptions of the original enclosure that lasted until around 1975 before being refurbished or demolished. @Kiwi1 , do these statements compare with your memories of the post 1975 enclosure?
 
Jambo said:
Great article!

I find these statements regarding the hippo enclosure interesting:

1. Auckland Zoo set about enlarging the creek coming from the Western springs lake, enclosing it with a stone and iron fence to create a space for the anticipated new arrival.

2. (Chaka) has occupied a bachelor pond higher up, but the iron grating between did not prevent him taking note of what went on in the old home.

3. Chaka, immobile and half submerged, nestled against the iron bars of his pool glancing from one half opened eye under the bridge to the next pool, where Bella and her baby lay in shallow water.

These statements give descriptions of the original enclosure that lasted until around 1975 before being refurbished or demolished. @Kiwi1 , do these statements compare with your memories of the post 1975 enclosure?
Click to expand...

I can recall a lot of iron bars in the water persumably seperating different animals but the details are pretty vauge now I am afraid.
 
Complete Records for Nada (1937-1965)

*Includes amendments and additions to the data in Post #1.

Nada was imported from Taronga Zoo in 1939 as a mate for Auckland Zoo’s male hippopotamus, Dimazulu:

Nada (F)
Born at Taronga Zoo 01/01/1937
Arrived at Auckland Zoo 13/03/1939
Died at Auckland Zoo 12/12/1965

Dimazulu and Nada produced two calves:

En Zed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 25/04/1944
Died at Auckland Zoo 09/11/1951
Sire: Dimazulu

Unknown (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 01/01/1947
Fate Unknown
Sire: Dimazulu

After Dimazulu died in 1946; Nada was paired with her son, En Zed.

En Zed and Nada produced one calf:

Khama (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 02/06/1950
Sent to Calcutta Zoo 01/02/1952
Sire: En Zed

After Kharma was exported to Calcutta Zoo, a new male named Kabete was imported from Kenya to be paired with Nada:

Kabete (M)
Born in Kenya 01/01/1953
Arrived at Auckland Zoo 01/10/1956
Died at Auckland Zoo 20/05/1993

Kabete and Nada produced three calves:

Snorkel (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 14/10/1959
Died at Auckland Zoo 30/09/2010
Sire: Kabete

Kiboko (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/08/1961
Died at Auckland Zoo 02/09/1970
Sire: Kabete

Scuba (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 26/01/1964
Died at Auckland Zoo 03/07/1980
Sire: Kabete

Nada’s daughter, Kiboko, produced three calves:

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 20/08/1967
Died at Auckland Zoo 20/08/1967
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 11/06/1968
Died at Auckland Zoo 11/06/1968
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 09/04/1970
Died at Auckland Zoo 09/04/1970
Sire: Kabete

Nada’s daughter, Snorkle, produced nine calves:

Hope (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 23/01/1973
Died at Auckland Zoo 06/05/1983
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 31/01/1978
Died at Auckland Zoo 31/01/1978
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 02/02/1985
Died at Auckland Zoo 02/02/1985
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 30/04/1986
Died at Auckland Zoo 30/04/1986
Sire: Kabete

Solucky (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/03/1987
Sent to Tipperary Station 10/03/1988
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/10/1988
Died at Auckland Zoo 18/10/1988
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 20/02/1990
Died at Auckland Zoo 20/02/1990
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 11/02/1991
Died at Auckland Zoo 11/02/1991
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 01/09/1991
Died at Auckland Zoo 01/09/1991
Sire: Kabete

Snorkle’s daughter, Hope, produced five calves:

Chad (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/11/1979
Died at Auckland Zoo 19/11/1979
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 11/10/1980
Died at Auckland Zoo 11/10/1980
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 30/06/1981
Died at Auckland Zoo 30/06/1981
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 23/03/1982
Died at Auckland Zoo 23/03/1982
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 05/05/1983
Died at Auckland Zoo 05/05/1983
Sire: Kabete
 
Complete Records for Bonnie (1957-1982)

*Includes amendments and additions to the data in Post #1.

Bonnie was imported from Taronga Zoo in 1966 as a new breeding female, following the death of Nada the previous year:

Bonnie (F)
Born at Taronga Zoo 17/11/1957
Arrived at Auckland Zoo 21/12/1966
Died at Auckland Zoo 31/05/1982

Bonnie produced eight calves:

Unnamed (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 01/03/1968
Died at Auckland Zoo 04/03/1968
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/03/1969
Died at Auckland Zoo 02/04/1969
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/11/1969
Died at Auckland Zoo 29/11/1969
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/05/1971
Died at Auckland Zoo 19/05/1971
Sire: Scuba

Wahanui (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 20/06/1972
Died at Auckland Zoo 18/10/1972
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 17/06/1973
Died at Auckland Zoo 17/06/1973
Sire: Kabete

Faith (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 05/01/1975
Died at Auckland Zoo 16/08/2016
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 12/11/1977
Died at Auckland Zoo 12/11/1977
Sire: Scuba

Bonnie’s daughter, Faith, produced fourteen calves:

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/02/1978
Died at Auckland Zoo 28/02/1978
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 05/04/1979
Died at Auckland Zoo 06/04/1979
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 27/03/1980
Died at Auckland Zoo 28/03/1980
Sire: Scuba

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 25/10/1981
Died at Auckland Zoo 25/10/1981
Sire: Kabete

Floyd (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 13/09/1982
Died at Auckland Zoo 23/12/1987
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 26/08/1984
Died at Auckland Zoo 26/08/1984
Sire: Kabete

Fonzie (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 26/04/1986
Sent to Tipperary Station 10/03/1988
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 08/07/1987
Died at Auckland Zoo 08/07/1987
Sire: Kabete

Fudge (M)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/03/1988
Died at Auckland Zoo 26/03/2016
Sire: Kabete

Fatima (F)
Born at Auckland Zoo 16/03/1988
Died at Auckland Zoo 31/03/1988
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/09/1989
Died at Auckland Zoo 28/09/1989
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/09/1989
Died at Auckland Zoo 28/09/1989
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 28/05/1990
Died at Auckland Zoo 28/05/1990
Sire: Kabete

Unnamed (U)
Born at Auckland Zoo 17/03/1991
Died at Auckland Zoo 22/03/1991
Sire: Kabete
 
Zorro said:
Its such a shame they lost so many babies from a pair that bred so well!
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Faith had a few stillbirths - some of these may have been a consequence of inbreeding. She also had two sets of twins, which have a higher mortality rate.

Many deaths could be attributed to the high population density. The hippos were initially housed in two exhibits (separated by bars) from 1922 to 1982; then housed in one exhibit (divided into two in the mid 1990’s) from 1982 until the Hippo River exhibit opened in 1999.

A number of calves, including Fatima (Fudge’s twin), were killed by the adults that shared the exhibit with them and their mother; as there was no way to separate mothers with newborns. A few lucky ones survived - attributed to a combination of luck and their mother’s ferocity in protecting them.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Faith had a few stillbirths - some of these may have been a consequence of inbreeding. She also had two sets of twins, which have a higher mortality rate.

Many deaths could be attributed to the high population density. The hippos were initially housed in two exhibits (separated by bars) from 1922 to 1982; then housed in one exhibit (divided into two in the mid 1990’s) from 1982 until the Hippo River exhibit opened in 1999.

A number of calves, including Fatima (Fudge’s twin), were killed by the adults that shared the exhibit with them and their mother.
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I saw the new exhibit in 1999 but also saw the older barred enclosures behind it which were linked to them, there were about 3 or 4 heavy steel barred pens which were built across a stream so the water flowed though all the pens one after the other which I had never seen before it looked king of neat!
 
Zorro said:
I saw the new exhibit in 1999 but also saw the older barred enclosures behind it which were linked to them, there were about 3 or 4 heavy steel barred pens which were built across a stream so the water flowed though all the pens one after the other which I had never seen before it looked king of neat!
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That would have been the original exhibits, which were built using the natural feature of Motions Creek. There’s a video showing it here (best shot of the exhibit is at 1.32):


The river running through it was indeed impressive, but the pollution from chemicals made it hazardous to the hippo’s health; not to mention the potential for them to escape when the creek swelled during heavy rainfall.

The new exhibit in 1982 avoided both these issues by taking it’s water directly from Western Springs Lake. The exhibit still retained a large body of water at the front of the exhibit and remained in place until construction began on Te Wao Nui in 2010.
 
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The bars across the river in this video appear to be different from what I saw in 1999, the bars I had seen were box section about 150mm by 75mm and were some 3 to 4 metres about the water line allowing for a rise in the water level
 
Zorro said:
The bars across the river in this video appear to be different from what I saw in 1999, the bars I had seen were box section about 150mm by 75mm and were some 3 to 4 metres about the water line allowing for a rise in the water level
Click to expand...

You must be talking about the 1982 exhibit. There’s a video which shows an aerial shot of it here (at 42.20):


The dividing bars in the middle were put in place during the 1990’s after repeated fights and feuds between Snorkel and Faith.
 
Zoofan15 said:
You must be talking about the 1982 exhibit. There’s a video which shows an aerial shot of it here (at 42.20):


The dividing bars in the middle were put in place during the 1990’s after repeated fights and feuds between Snorkel and Faith.
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Yep thats the bars also remember that angled over hang, shame they dont have any Hippos these days!
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
Any chance, common hippos might be coming back to Auckland Zoo at some point?
Plans???
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Zorro said:
@Zoofan15
Click to expand...

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:

 
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