Auckland Zoo's much-loved male hippo Fudge has died of unknown causes this afternoon.
The energetic 28-year-old hippo with a great appetite had been showing signs of illness over the past few days, such as being uncharacteristically lethargic and not eating his food.
A full post-mortem will be carried out to find the cause of the death.
Fudge was born at Auckland Zoo in 1988, and is survived by his 40-year-old mother, Faith, who was also born at Auckland Zoo.
"Our thoughts go out to all our staff and volunteers and everyone who loved Fudge, especially to our amazing team of Pridelands keepers who cared so passionately for him," Auckland Zoo said in a statement.
Newshub.
