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Alipore Zoo's Hippo One Recovers After Mysterious Illness
12 Jan
Summary
- Ailing hippo shows recovery signs after two weeks of immobility.
- Zoo officials formed a 24/7 medical team to monitor the hippo.
- Hippo One arrived from Odisha's Nandankanan zoo in 2024.
An ailing hippopotamus at Kolkata's Alipore zoo has reportedly begun to respond to treatment, offering a hopeful turn after being immobile for over two weeks. The young male, named Hippo One, is now reportedly eating and showing movement, a significant improvement from its previous state of remaining stationary in its enclosure's pool.
Zoo sources indicated that the hippo's condition was likely caused by a neurological disease or an injury to its front leg, which showed painful swelling. A five-member medical team has been monitoring Hippo One 24/7 since December 22nd, consulting with other zoos for treatment strategies. Treatments have included nerve-stimulating medicines, antibiotics, and UV ray therapy.
Hippo One, weighing approximately two tonnes, was transferred to Alipore zoo from Odisha's Nandankanan in 2024. Sadly, its female companion passed away within days of their arrival. The zoo also houses another, older female hippo. In a separate incident in August 2024, a 35-year-old hippo died during a dental procedure.
