Faith the hippopotamus, one of the oldest animals at Auckland Zoo, has died.
The zoo made the announcement on Monday morning, saying: "Forty-one-year-old Faith had been unwell over the past few days, but deteriorated rapidly yesterday."
She was exhibiting signs of fatal haemorrhagic respiratory disease, a terminal condition, so euthanasia was the kindest and only option, the zoo said.
The hippo was a "dearly loved" animal at the zoo.
Only a few months ago, in March, Faith's son Fudge died of an unknown illness, aged 28.
She'll be laid to rest next to her son Fudge on-site at a private area at Auckland Zoo, spokesperson Jane Healy says. There are no plans for a public memorial, but she says zoo staff really appreciate people’s support, memories and condolences.
"Our thoughts go out to all our staff, volunteers and everyone who loved Faith - especially our incredible team of Pridelands keepers who cared for her and enriched every day of her long life," Auckland Zoo said in a statement.
In 2015 when Faith turned 40, Pridelands zookeeper Sarah Ashton said: "She is quite a curious hippo, she is a bit of a thinking hippo and likes to challenge us a wee bit and keep us on our toes.
"In the wild, [for] hippos, 40-years-old is probably a good lifespan. But in captivity she has another 10 years to go and she is a really healthy hippo.
Although hippos are herbivores they are also highly dangerous animals. They can open their mouths up to 150 degrees and can reach speeds of up to 30km/h.
They originated in sub-Saharan Africa and are ranked among the most dangerous animals in Africa.
Newshub.
