A heartbroken hippo or a hidden illness? For 14 days, a young hippopotamus at Kolkata's Alipore Zoo has stubbornly remained in its water enclosure, even as a cold wave sweeps the city. This unusual behavior has left zookeepers puzzled and concerned. Since Christmas, the male hippo has defied all attempts to coax him out, even ignoring food offerings. And this is the part most people miss: veterinarians are torn between two heartbreaking possibilities – is he grieving the loss of his mate, who died shortly after their arrival in September 2024, or is an unseen illness causing his distress?
Typically, zoo hippos follow a predictable routine: a day in the water, followed by a return to their night shelter before dusk. But this hippo seems to have abandoned all norms. Despite veterinarians' efforts, including tempting him with food, he only briefly emerges before retreating back to the water.
But here's where it gets controversial: could this be a case of profound animal grief? Authorities are now investigating whether the hippo's behavior stems from loneliness after losing his mate. Or, as some suggest, is there an underlying physical ailment that has yet to be diagnosed? Veterinarians are closely monitoring his health but have not yet identified a clear cause.
The hippo and his mate were brought to Kolkata Zoo from Odisha's Nandankanan in September 2024, but tragically, the female died just days after their arrival. Now, the male's enclosure has been cordoned off from the public to ensure he remains undisturbed as experts work to unravel the mystery.
This situation raises thought-provoking questions about animal emotions and the complexities of their behavior. Do animals experience grief like humans do? And if so, how can we best support them through such losses? Share your thoughts in the comments – this is a conversation that deserves to be heard.
