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John Ball Zoo conducts internal review of pygmy hippo incident

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- John Ball Zoo says it has responded to a U.S. Department of Agriculture correspondence following the death of a pygmy hippo in May.

The zoo said a sitatunga (a medium-sized antelope) named Chopper was attacked by the hippo during a controlled introduction. The animals had been visually introduced for a few weeks in preparation for them to be kept in a new multi-species habitat together. There were no problems during that time period, but zoo officials said the pygmy hippo suddenly attacked Chopper on the evening of May 16. The animal-care team separated the animals and tried to resuscitate Chopper, but to no avail.

John Ball Zoo says in a news release that an internal review found that the fatal incident was "likely due to individual animal behavior as Zoo staff undertook significant efforts to be fully prepared before and during the introduction of the two animals."

Pygmy hippos are new to the zoo this year. The hippo habitat was a centerpiece of the zoo's "Time to Soar" capital campaign aimed at expanding the zoo. It raised about $18 million in donations. The zoo is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1891.

“Based on our team’s extensive research and the animal behavior we observed, we believed this would be a successful introduction,” said Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo. We are deeply saddened that the incident occurred, and very proud of the work our animal care team has done before, during and after this incident. We will continue providing excellent care for animals for the purpose of preserving wildlife and wild places for generations to come.” 

More information from the zoo's news release:

The review was conducted by members of the Zoo’s animal care team and executive leadership. It found an extensive, years-long planning process went into the new multi-species habitat, including multiple animal care team members visiting other institutions to learn about the care of pygmy hippos, as well as pygmy hippo and sitatunga behavior and introductions. Recommendations by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria include mixed species habitats for pygmy hippos because they benefit from interspecies interactions.  

At least 15 other institutions have successfully housed animals like sitatungas and pygmy hippos together. John Ball Zoo has successfully introduced hundreds of species, a slow process that allows the animals to see, hear and smell each other without physical contact before they are fully introduced. 

A review of notes and observations from animal care staff during the 54 days, totaling 300 hours of introductions between the pygmy hippo and sitatunga, showed the vast majority of interactions were positive. 

Following the incident, the John Ball Zoo team has worked to update protocols and procedures when it comes to introducing animals, including identifying additional opportunities to modify the habitat to allow for enhanced safety; bolstering its introduction communication process to include additional reviews and reinforcing staff’s ability to provide input before and during introductions. 

“At John Ball Zoo, animal welfare is our number one priority, and as an institution we continuously work to improve our protocols and procedures to reflect that,” D’Arienzo said. “As with any internal incident, we investigate, learn, train and grow so we can continue providing the best possible care for our animals.” 

John Ball Zoo has responded to a U.S. Department of Agriculture correspondence regarding the introduction incident. 

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