Taipei Zoo welcomed Thabo, a pygmy hippopotamus from Singapore, in November 2024. However, in a shocking turn of events, Thabo passed away just four months later. The zoo plans to collect Thabo's blood samples to cultivate and clarify the source of infection. They will also discuss the findings with Singapore to continue their collaborative efforts.
According to reports from Taipei Times and Central News Agency, Thabo arrived at Taipei Zoo from Singapore in November 2024. After a month-long quarantine, he was moved to the African Animal Area. Thabo was naturally timid and picky about food, relying heavily on the caretakers for support. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until a small wound was discovered on his right foot in February.
The zoo's animal care team, led by Wu Li-hsin, veterinary room director Zheng Qiu-hong, and spokesperson Tsao Hsien-shao, actively administered medication and provided wound care. Initially, there was some improvement, but Thabo's picky eating worsened over time. Wu noted that Thabo loved apples, so caretakers would hide medication inside them. However, once Thabo discovered this, he refused to eat them and would only nibble on food after ensuring there was no medicine. Additionally, Thabo was extremely afraid of wound cleaning and would dodge whenever approached.
Despite these challenges, caretakers tried various food combinations to boost Thabo's nutrition. Unfortunately, his appetite did not improve, and he grew weaker. The situation was exacerbated by the fluctuating winter temperatures and cold spells in northern Taiwan, which were particularly harsh for an animal accustomed to Singapore's stable warm climate.
On March 9, the zoo assembled a 24-hour emergency intensive care team to provide constant medical attention. However, Thabo's condition continued to deteriorate, with high white blood cell counts, muscle index, and rising liver and kidney indicators. He passed away on March 10, surrounded by caretakers, veterinarians, and assistants.
A post-mortem examination by the National Taiwan University School of Veterinary Medicine revealed that Thabo's health declined due to malnutrition, circulatory issues, and infection. The zoo is currently investigating the exact cause of his infection and will review their care protocols to improve future practices.
Pygmy hippos are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with fewer than 2,500 mature individuals worldwide. Other zoos in Taiwan, such as Shoushan Zoo, Chinshang Pastoral Farm Resort and Wanpi World Zoo, also have pygmy hippos on display.
Pygmy Hippopotamus: A Unique Species in West Africa
The pygmy hippopotamus is found in West Africa and is not the young of common hippos, but rather a distinct species. It has a more rounded head, eyes on the sides of its head, and toes that are more spread apart compared to the common hippo. Unlike common hippos, pygmy hippos are less dependent on water. They spend their days sleeping and emerge in the evening to forage for food. Living in dense forests and swamps, scientists did not conduct in-depth studies of them until the 19th century.
Conservation Status
Pygmy hippos are facing rapid population decline due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and human disturbance. Their small size makes them difficult to detect, leading to their classification as an "Endangered" species, making them a priority for conservation efforts.
Behavior and Habitat
Pygmy hippos are primarily nocturnal, resting hidden in swamps, wallows, or rivers during the day and emerging at dusk to feed. They inhabit tropical lowland forests with dense cover, close to rivers, streams, and swamps. Their diet consists mainly of herbs, broad-leaved plants, and fallen fruits.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts include both in situ and ex situ methods. In situ conservation involves protecting their natural habitat, while ex situ conservation involves breeding them in captivity. The success of breeding programs in zoos offers hope for increasing their population and potentially releasing them back into the wild.
