Kolkata Zoo's Ailing Hippo Takes a Step Towards Recovery
A four-year-old hippopotamus at Kolkata's Alipore Zoological Garden has finally emerged from its watery enclosure after spending nearly twenty days confined to the water. This development brings a wave of relief to zoo authorities who have been closely monitoring the animal's health.
Struggle with Neurological Issues
The young hippopotamus has been battling a neurological disorder that severely weakened its legs. On Sunday, the animal made a voluntary attempt to climb onto the edge of the moat but quickly returned to the water due to persistent leg weakness. This brief emergence marked a significant moment in its recovery journey.
Zoo veterinarians have implemented a comprehensive treatment plan that includes antibiotics and specialized medications designed to stimulate the animal's nerves. The medical team has observed positive responses to these interventions, providing hope for the hippo's eventual recovery.
Specialized Therapy Shows Promise
A specially formed medical board has been overseeing the hippopotamus's treatment regimen. The animal is currently receiving:
- UV and infrared ray therapy sessions
- Vitamin B1, B6, and B12 supplements
- Targeted antibiotic treatments
Veterinary staff report that the infrared ray therapy has demonstrated particularly encouraging results. They plan to continue this treatment for another week and remain optimistic that extended therapy will help the animal regain sufficient leg strength to walk normally.
Complications and Treatment Challenges
The hippo's condition became more complicated when a swelling developed in its front leg. Zoo sources indicate this likely resulted from an injury sustained while walking on a concrete path, which subsequently led to a bacterial infection.
Treating the animal presented unique challenges. Since hippopotamuses naturally spend most of their time in water, zoo authorities initially attempted to administer medication through food placed at the water's edge. However, this approach proved ineffective because the animal was too weak to climb onto the bank to access the medicated food.
The prolonged confinement in water began to deteriorate the hippo's physical condition, prompting zoo management to seek specialized assistance.
Expert Medical Team Assembled
Recognizing the need for specialized expertise, Alipore Zoo management assembled a medical team that includes:
- A doctor from Nandankanan Zoo
- Veterinarians from other zoos with hippopotamus care experience
- Local veterinary specialists
This collaborative team has been providing crucial guidance for the animal's treatment protocol. The current patient was originally brought to Alipore Zoo from Nandankanan Zoo, which has experience with hippopotamus care.
Recent Hippopotamus History at Alipore Zoo
Alipore Zoo currently houses two hippopotamuses, including an elderly female. The facility has faced challenges with hippopotamus health in recent times. In 2024, a thirty-five-year-old female hippo died during dental surgery after its lower jaw canines overgrew, piercing the skin near its nose and creating deep, malignant wounds.
Following that incident, zoo authorities brought a male and female hippopotamus from Nandankanan Zoo for breeding purposes. Tragically, the female hippo died within days of arrival at Alipore Zoo, though the exact cause remains undetermined.
The current recovery effort represents a determined attempt by zoo authorities to ensure better outcomes for their hippopotamus population. Staff continue to monitor the young hippo closely, hoping that sustained treatment will lead to full recovery and normal mobility.
