Share
A 45-year-old male river hippopotamus named Otis and nicknamed the “smiling hippo” has died at the San Diego Zoo.
Otis had been under care for degenerative joint and spinal disease and a decision to euthanize him was made last weekend when his condition declined dramatically, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said in tweet Monday.
Otis Born in the Wild
Otis got his nickname in 2010 because of viral photo taken by a zoo visitor that captured him with his teeth displayed in what looked like a giant grin, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
The 4,500-pound hippo was born in the wild in East Africa and went to the Los Angeles Zoo before being transferred to San Diego in 2009 to mate with a female named Funani, the newspaper said.
“Otis will be greatly missed by wildlife care staff, veterinarians, volunteers, and guests,” the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said.
RELATED TOPICS:
More Deadly Than Wind, Storm Surge From Hurricane Helene Could Be Devastating
5 hours ago
Trump Launches a New Business Venture During His Campaign: $100,000 Watches
5 hours ago
Memphis Man Gets Life Sentence for Killing Rapper Young Dolph
5 hours ago
New California Law Gives Tenants More Time to Respond to Eviction Notices
6 hours ago
Alleged Sexual Assault by Judge Took Place at Fresno Courthouse
7 hours ago
A Rent Control Proposition Is Back on the Ballot. Is Third Time the Charm?
8 hours ago
Porterville Teacher Found Guilty of Child Molestation