Patti the Hippo (1969-2024)
Obituary
Patti, a river hippopotamus, died in November at 55 years old after spending her life in captivity.
Patti, a river hippopotamus, was euthanized at the Milwaukee County Zoo in November 2024. She was 55 years old. Patti was transferred to Milwaukee from the Dallas Zoo in 1972 and was believed to be the oldest hippo in US captivity at the time of her death. Hippos held in captivity have a median life expectancy of 36.7 years according to the zoo. An initial necropsy indicated Patti suffered from gastroenteritis. A single hippo, a male named Happy, now remains.
Hippos are the largest land animal in the world and can weigh more than four tons. Though they’re big with short legs, hippos can reach speeds up to 19 miles per hour. Hippos are very social animals who spend much of their time with other hippos in groups ranging from 10 to 30. Considering their size and social needs, zoos cannot provide hippos with the life they experience in the wild. Most zoos only maintain a few hippos in their exhibits.
Hippos are currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Hippos are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and habitat degradation, as well as conflicts with humans. Conflicts often result in both human and hippo deaths. In the US, environmental groups are trying to add hippos to the Endangered Species Act in order to restrict the importation of hippo parts. The hippo part trade, including their skin (used for leather), skulls, and teeth, is a significant threat. The US is the largest importer of hippo parts and products. The groups estimate that as few as 115,000 adult hippos remain.
The only way to ensure a future with hippos is to protect their habitats. World Animal Protection urges everyone who loves hippos to avoid zoos and enjoy them in the wild or at accredited sanctuaries.
