5/19/2014 - Female Hippo in an Elephant Pen

The female hippo\'s name is Patti.

Why was Patti in the elephant barn?

There was no sign explaining why Patti was in the elephants' area. I just assumed it was a form of enrichment, allowing the hippos access to the elephant area when the elephants are outside, being able to experience new surroundings and smells (Patti and Happy rotate between outdoor and indoor areas because they don't get along well). I probably will be visiting sometime next week, and will try to ask a keeper.

Great! Thanks Milwaukee Man! I'm visiting the 31 of May so I might be able to ask a zookeeper then if you don't get a hold of one.

Sorry, but one of the ugliest indoor exhibits for pachyderms I have ever seen. Why all that cage netting when iron bars would be sufficent. And why an additional glas front (just for not smell the animals)?

I agree with you 100% but there is some good news! There is a huge construction plan involving the Australian Animals Building, Elephants, and Hippos where they will all get new, larger, and modern (this one was built in 1958) homes at the zoo. They say it should be done in 2016, so we'll see... Also, the reason the glass is there is because this is just an open area, it's not inside a building, just a hallway with a canopy over it. The glass is there to keep the animals warm and probably yes for the smell too.

Ah, okay, so in this case the glass make sense. And the plans for new Elephant and Hippo exhibits are indeed good news.

Is this not a river hippo?

It IS a river (or common) hippo = Hippopotamus amphibius

While visiting a couple days ago, I asked a keeper about why Patti was in the indoor elephant area. I was told that she was moved while maintenance took place in the indoor hippo area, and they wanted her away from all the loud noises.