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Patti, the oldest hippopotamus in U.S. zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, died Nov. 10, at the Milwaukee County Zoo. She was 55. Born at the Dallas Zoo, Patti arrived in Milwaukee in 1972 and lived there for more than 50 years. At 3,000 pounds, she was known as the more petite of the zoo’s two hippos and received regular supplements and arthritis medication in her advanced age.The female river hippopotamus was humanely euthanized Sunday evening after showing signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. “Patti died surrounded by her animal care team, including the zookeepers who best knew and loved her, comforting her to the very end, including rubbing her ears and feet,” the Milwaukee Zoo announced in a news release.Initial necropsy results indicate severe gastroenteritis. “She was an opinionated and spirited animal who became more engaged with her care team in later years,” said zoo officials. Patti participated in voluntary blood draws and behind-the-scenes tours, often entertaining visitors by opening her mouth for food treats.Her legacy includes contributions to species research and providing biofacts to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory to help prosecute wildlife trafficking cases. River hippopotamuses are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.The zoo’s Hippo Haven exhibit is now closed for the season and will reopen in the spring featuring Happy, the remaining hippo. Officials will consider transferring another hippo after completion of new facilities in fall 2025.
Patti, the oldest hippopotamus in U.S. zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, died Nov. 10, at the Milwaukee County Zoo. She was 55.
Born at the Dallas Zoo, Patti arrived in Milwaukee in 1972 and lived there for more than 50 years. At 3,000 pounds, she was known as the more petite of the zoo’s two hippos and received regular supplements and arthritis medication in her advanced age.
The female river hippopotamus was humanely euthanized Sunday evening after showing signs of lethargy and loss of appetite.
“Patti died surrounded by her animal care team, including the zookeepers who best knew and loved her, comforting her to the very end, including rubbing her ears and feet,” the Milwaukee Zoo announced in a news release.
Initial necropsy results indicate severe gastroenteritis.
“She was an opinionated and spirited animal who became more engaged with her care team in later years,” said zoo officials. Patti participated in voluntary blood draws and behind-the-scenes tours, often entertaining visitors by opening her mouth for food treats.
Her legacy includes contributions to species research and providing biofacts to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory to help prosecute wildlife trafficking cases.
River hippopotamuses are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The zoo’s Hippo Haven exhibit is now closed for the season and will reopen in the spring featuring Happy, the remaining hippo.
Officials will consider transferring another hippo after completion of new facilities in fall 2025.
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