Interesting to read about the hippos. As of 1966, when the former complex opened Melbourne had three hippos (the trio eventually sent to Werribee). This included an unknown male, Genevieve (1955) and Henrietta (1961). Interestingly, Henrietta lived separate to the older pair of which were said to be her parents.
The complex included three rather small sized enclosures side by side of which would also later hold Pygmy Hippo too. These enclosures were later demolished in the early 90's following the Pygmy Hippos move to the Gorilla Rainforest and the transfer of the remaining Common Hippos to Werribee a decade earlier.
As per below, I believe the male was Rangi (from Auckland Zoo) and the two females in 1966 were Genevieve (1955) and Henrietta (1961), who Rangi sired to Esmeralda (born at Melbourne Zoo).
Esmeralda died via tennis ball the same year Henrietta was born, which would explain the then five year old Henrietta’s isolation from the other two in 1966 (who were her father and sister; not father and mother).
The 1969 articles notes the birth of a female calf (Milly) to a female who had previously given birth to three non-surviving calves. It’s appears this female was Genevieve given the housing arrangements (and the fact Henrietta was nulliparous three years prior).
Melbourne Zoo Common Hippopotamus History
1913: Melbourne Zoo imported a breeding pair of Common hippopotamus named William and Rosamund.
1921: William and Rosamund produced a daughter named Bella. She was sent to Auckland Zoo in 1923, where she produced several calves.
1933: William and Rosamund produced a son named Billy. Billy is loaned to a circus in 1938.
1934: William and Rosamund produced a daughter named Sally. It’s noted her birth follows several male calves.
1934: William dies after swallowing a tennis ball.
1937: The plan to loan Newsboy from Adelaide to breed with William and Rosamund is discussed.
1940: Billy returns from the circus, but fights with Rosamund and Sally. He disappears from records after this point, so either died or returned to the circus.
1945: Rosamund dies after swallowing a tennis bull.
1946: Dimazulu is imported from Auckland Zoo and renamed Rangi.
1954: Sally (renamed Esmeralda) gives birth to a calf that dies three days later.
1955: Esmeralda gives birth to a female calf in November named Genevieve. She’s noted to be the zoo’s first surviving calf since Esmeralda was born there in 1934.
1961: Esmeralda gives birth to a female calf in February named Henrietta.
1961: Esmeralda dies in October after swallowing a tennis ball (at least the third hippopotamus at the zoo to do so).
