Mumbai: A 35-year-old hippopotamus named Deva died at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Byculla Zoo) on May 13 due to age-related complications. Deva was among the few exotic animals born at the zoo, having been born there in 1991.
Zoo Left with Three Hippos
With Deva's death, the zoo now has three hippopotamuses: his partner Shilpa, nearly 30 years old, and their two offspring, Ganpat and Mangal. Ganpat, born in 2018, is the youngest of the remaining hippos.
No Signs of Illness
Zoo officials stated that Deva died due to age-related complications and showed no signs of illness or discomfort before collapsing in the pool. Hippopotamuses generally have a lifespan of 35 to 40 years.
Burial and Future Plans
Deva was buried within the zoo premises, as incineration was difficult due to his massive size and weight exceeding one tonne. Officials are considering introducing pygmy hippopotamuses in the future, as they are smaller and easier to maintain.
Recent Tiger Deaths
The zoo recently recorded two tiger deaths. On November 17, 2025, nine-and-a-half-year-old Royal Bengal tiger Shakti died due to respiratory failure following pneumonia. Earlier, on October 29, three-year-old tiger cub Rudra died.
Expert Opinion
Rajesh Chaugule, a wildlife specialist, emphasized the need for zoos to upgrade health facilities, including regular check-ups, vaccinations, modern diagnostics, and disease prevention protocols. He noted that captive breeding lacks conservation value and that zoos should focus on being rescue centers, especially for big cats, given India's role in big cat conservation.
Asiatic Lion Exchange Program
Plans to bring Asiatic lions to Byculla Zoo have advanced, with Gujarat's Sakkarbaug Zoological Park granting in-principle approval for an exchange program involving four lions. In return, the Gujarat zoo has requested either two pairs of giraffes, one pair of Indian one-horned rhinoceros, or six capuchin monkeys.
Mumbai zoo officials are likely to opt for the capuchin monkeys, which may be sourced from an Asian country. However, the process could face delays due to procedural approvals and international movement constraints. An outright donation of lions would have simplified the process, officials noted.
