Zoo Destroys Ailing, Aged Hippo

Lotus, a 45-year-old East African river hippopotamus who was born at the San Diego Zoo, was humanely destroyed Tuesday because of deteriorating health, a zoo spokeswoman said.

“It’s sad. It’s the end of her family at the zoo,” said spokeswoman Georgeanne Irvine.

Lotus was the last river hippo at the San Diego Zoo, Irvine said. Lotus’ father, Rube, the oldest hippo in captivity, died in January at age 51. Mother Ruby died in 1982.

Severe arthritis had taken its toll on Lotus, who had stopped eating in recent weeks and was lethargic, Irvine said. Keepers found Lotus lying on her side in a drained pool in her exhibit area Tuesday and were unable to help her up.

A necropsy, akin to a human autopsy, is planned in the next day or two, Irvine said. Lotus’ body will then be cremated.

Lotus, the first surviving hippo born at the zoo, probably was seen by about 130 million visitors over the years, Irvine said. Hippos in captivity reach a maximum age of about 45, she said.

The river hippo is not an endangered species, Irvine said. Two pygmy hippos remain on display at the zoo.