1 Oct 2010

Zoo saddened by loss of hippo

10:31 am on 1 October 2010

Auckland Zoo is mourning the loss of Snorkel, a hippopotamus born there 50 years ago.

Snorkel's health dramatically declined over the last three weeks and a decision was made on Thursday night by vet staff and keepers to euthanise the animal.

Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken says that while it was a tough decision to put her down, it was the only humane option.

Snorkel was born at Auckland Zoo. Mr Wilcken says that given the average life span of a hippo in captivity is about 40 years, she had a great innings.