One of the female hippos died swallowed a tennis ball that somebody threw into the enclosure. Black Rhino enclosure was closed and only viewing was available from the balcony In the afternoon they where allowed into the same paddock and had a snooze together.
This is extremely sad but, unfortunately, this horrible incident is not unique. A hippopotamus died at London Zoo in 1952 after swallowing a tennis ball. Similarly a female hippo (mother of Whipsnade's male "Hoover" ) died at Dublin Zoo in 2002 after swallowing a tennis ball. Several hippopotamus deaths involving tennis balls have occurred at various German zoos too.
Such a shame that Godzilla has passed this now leaves the zoo with 1:0 unless they have received some more.
Visit today - they've now got a pair of Common Hippo again. Keeper was saying that they had a young (entire) male and studbook were hoping the pair would breed once he was a little older. Does anyone know where this male came from?
Interesting because when I went in July they only had 1:1 Ernie (Neutered male) and Godzilla who I presumed was the female who died: So unless Ernie died and Godzilla didn't and they bought in a new male?
when flamingo land first got two female hippos they had no plan on breeding in the future the hippo house doesn't have room for a family but one of them was pregnant which they didn't know about and there was just about room to fit the 3 of them in. Luckily they all got on as there is no space for isolating them inside
So, they were definitely left with one animal (as in a female) prior to this youngish male getting in?
Flamingo Land received two female hippos in April 2003; both were born at West Midlands Safari Park:- “Godzilla” born 1998 and “Betty” born 1999. “Betty” subsequently gave birth to the male “Ernie” in August 2003 a few months after arrival. After the earlier posts in this thread, I am a bit confused as to what hippo died and what the current situation is; please can somebody confirm?
What was Lizzie's last calf, born 2015, called ? She had Pixie in 2013 Has Mylene ever bred ? Website only gives update on the new arrival. Hard to kp up when live so far away, thanks in advance
I think his full name must be 'Baringo 2'. First time I've heard of a rhino born in the UK being imported back into the country.
Affirmative (Baringo II). His move from Dvur Kralove had been on the cards for some time. He is a proven bull and sired at least 4 calves at DK.
Is the plan to keep all 3 female Black Rhino or to split mother & daughter up ? only ask as Olmotti is approaching 2 1/2yrs, will they soon be separated ?
As mentioned in other posts, Zoo received Southern White Rhinos Bruce (born in 2014) from Blair Drummond and Mabaso (also born in 2014) from Colchester. Bull Zimba left for Africa Alive! ; is the other bachelor Troy/Baloo still here? Is he heading to somewhere else?
