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DC Zoo Evicting Hippo

'Happy' must move to make place for elephants

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Aug 3, 2008 2:18 PM CDT

(Newser) – The National Zoo is adding a new elephant sanctuary, reports the Washington Post, and the move is putting its sole Nile hippopotamus, Happy, out on the street in a year or so. The zoo will hold onto its pygmy hippos, but is more committed to Asian elephant programs. "You only have so much space available. We don't have a strong hippopotamus program right now," said a zoo spokesman.

The 7,000 pound male was born at the zoo 27 years ago, and the move is devastating his longtime keeper, who has been feeding Happy lettuce and picking up on every nuance in his eyes since 1995. "Miss him ain't the word," he said, "I hate talking about it because I get too emotional."

The teeth of hippos in captivity must be cut down to prevent them from getting too large. (Shutterstock)

Hippos in the wild are very territorial, leading zookeeper JT to tread Happy's enclosure with care. (Shutterstock)

Not all zoos have the right enlcosures to host hippo, making it tougher for Happy to find a new home. (Shutterstock)

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DC Zoo Evicting Hippo

'Happy' must move to make place for elephants

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Lion Kills S. African Zookeeper

Employee came out of retirement because of staff shortages

Montenegro's Lone Hippo Goes on the Lam

Flooding lets 2-ton mammal elude her keepers

Bald Bears Stump German Zookeepers

Mystery condition leaves bears hairless as winter sets in

Stimulus Bill Shines on National Zoo

Despite ban, bailout will fortify homes for animals in DC

No Room at the Zoo: Baby Hippo May Meet His Maker

Zookeepers deny little Farasi will be put down

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DC Zoo Evicting Hippo

'Happy' must move to make place for elephants

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

zoo • zookeeper • Nile • pygmy hippos • hippopotamus • National Zoo

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Lion Kills S. African Zookeeper

Employee came out of retirement because of staff shortages

Montenegro's Lone Hippo Goes on the Lam

Flooding lets 2-ton mammal elude her keepers

Bald Bears Stump German Zookeepers

Mystery condition leaves bears hairless as winter sets in

Stimulus Bill Shines on National Zoo

Despite ban, bailout will fortify homes for animals in DC

No Room at the Zoo: Baby Hippo May Meet His Maker

Zookeepers deny little Farasi will be put down

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Newser By Users

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