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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Pygmy Hippo Nimba (2) Dies Suddenly at Zoo Antwerpen

From VRT NWS · (42m ago) Dutch Critical tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A 2-year-old pygmy hippopotamus named Nimba has died unexpectedly at Zoo Antwerpen.
  • Nimba, who arrived last summer as part of a European breeding program, was found lifeless in her enclosure.
  • An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death, with zoo officials expressing shock at the sudden loss.

The sudden and unexpected death of Nimba, a 2-year-old pygmy hippopotamus, has sent shockwaves through Zoo Antwerpen. The young hippo, who joined the zoo last summer with the hope of participating in a European breeding program, was discovered lifeless in her enclosure by keepers. This tragic event has left the zoo staff deeply saddened and bewildered.

This is totally unexpected, we are very shocked.

— Ilse SegersZoo Antwerpen spokesperson expressing the shock and unexpected nature of Nimba's death.

Ilse Segers of Zoo Antwerpen described the situation as a 'bolt from the blue,' emphasizing that Nimba showed no signs of illness or distress in the days leading up to her death. The only unusual observation was that her last meal remained untouched, a detail that now seems ominously significant. The zoo is awaiting the results of an autopsy, which is expected to shed light on the cause of this sudden demise.

This is a bolt from the blue.

— Ilse SegersZoo Antwerpen spokesperson describing the suddenness of the event.

Nimba had recently been introduced to a male pygmy hippo, and while they were considered too young to breed immediately, the intention was for them to form a pair. The zoo plans to eventually seek a new female partner to continue the breeding program, but for now, the focus is on processing this profound loss. The pygmy hippo is a critically endangered species, making Nimba's death a significant blow not only to the zoo but also to conservation efforts. Her passing serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of these animals, both in captivity and in their natural West African habitats, which are threatened by deforestation and poaching.

Nimba was found lifeless by the keepers in the hippopotamus enclosure.

— Ilse SegersZoo Antwerpen spokesperson detailing how the hippo was discovered.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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