Kolkata: A hippopotamus at the Alipore Zoological Gardens has been unable to move out of a pool inside its enclosure for the past two weeks, sparking concern
among zoo authorities. The three-and-a-half-year-old male hippo, named Hippo One, has refused to leave the water even in the evenings for its night shelter — unlike its normal routine. Officials suspect the condition could be linked to a neurological disorder or a leg injury. Zoo authorities have formed a five-member medical team to monitor the animal round the clock, as per a TOI report. The hippo enclosure has been cordoned off using view-cutters to minimise stress, while officials remain in touch with other zoos to decide the future course of treatment. For now, they have ruled out forcibly moving the nearly two-tonne animal out of the water.
Signs of Improvement Offer Hope
Officials said there have been encouraging signs in recent days. Hippo One, which was brought from the Nandankanan Zoological Park in September 2024, has slowly started eating its regular diet again. The diet includes sweet potato, carrot, green grass, banana and sugarcane tops.“It is slowly responding to treatment, but we are yet to arrive at a definitive diagnosis,” zoo director Tripti Sah said. “At this stage, we cannot say with certainty what it is suffering from — a neurological ailment or a leg injury. Three doctors from the zoo and two from a veterinary hospital in Belgachhia are treating it. The team is continuously monitoring its condition. We are, however, hopeful about recovery.”
History of Loss and Behavioural Changes
The young male hippo had been brought to Alipore along with a female companion from Nandankanan. The female, however, died within days of arrival, and the cause of her death remains unknown. Sources said that following the female’s death, Hippo One became noticeably less active and showed signs of depression and loss of appetite.
According to zoo officials, by the second half of 2025, the animal had gradually regained mobility and resumed normal feeding habits. However, the current episode — marked by its refusal to leave the water and restricted movement — has prompted renewed concern among veterinarians.
The Alipore Zoo currently houses another hippopotamus — a 22-year-old female — in an adjacent enclosure, while efforts continue to stabilise Hippo One’s health and identify the exact cause of its condition.
