Comments on: Enormous Changes for Hippos

By: Joy

Joy — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:05:27 +0000

I have been a member of the L.A. Zoo for over 24 yrs. I was really sad when Maggie (female hippo) died. Not too happy to hear this Funani is ripping his arse apart. I’m sure they’ll get used to each (at least I hope). Would be nice to see Otis w/some offspring. Thanks for all the updates since I don’t have the time to get out to San Diego.

By: Vickie

Vickie — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:29:02 +0000

Any update on Funani and Otis would be appreciated. If they can’t get along what will happen? Would another hippo be brought in or would Jabba return? Isn’t every reintroduction dangerous?

By: Nate

Nate — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:29:51 +0000

Nancy:
Until they learn to get along, Funani and Otis are taking turns going on exhibit. We are still working toward a reintroduction, but do not have a deadline as of late. Jabba is doing well in his new home. I have been in touch with his new keeper and Jabba is winning as many hearts in Los Angeles as he did in San Diego.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 29 May 2009 03:06:58 +0000

We went to the SDZ today and saw Funani. Where are Otis and Jabba?

Moderator’s note: Jabba now lives at the Los Angeles Zoo.

By: Michael Maitland

Michael Maitland — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:20:53 +0000

I saw Otis was all tore up from Funani. Otis was in bad shape and I was wondering on his condition. I visited the zoo on 3/21 and did not see Otis. No one seemed to have any information. Did Otis get shipped back to LA??

Moderator’s note: Otis is still at the San Diego Zoo and doing fine. He rotates on and off exhibit, so you may not always see him.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:41:20 +0000

Nate, How are Otis and Funani getting along these days? Any improvement in their interactions?

By: Nate

Nate — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:32:23 +0000

Diane:
I, too, was sad to see Jabba go, but the truth is, in the wild, part of their normal lifestyle is that a bull hippo does not keep his territory (or his females) forever. Interlopers will often invade a territory and displace the dominant male. The females in that area then “belong” to the new bull. These introductions take time. Right now it is too early to assume that Otis and Funani will never get along. There was a time when Fu domineered Jabba as well, and they ended up having a number of offspring. Otis is doing well. He is under veterinary care, and healing nicely. His wounds, while very alarming, were mainly superficial. Hippos are built for this kind of thing. They have very thick skin (about 2 inches), and the “blood sweat” they secrete has antiseptic properties that help them to heal remarkably quickly. We appreciate your concern and interest in Otis and all the animals at the Zoo. Please be assured that the animal care staff is working closely with these animals, managing their interaction, so that both will continue to do well.

Jonah: In the wild, hippos spend the majority of the day in the water. It helps keep them cool, protects them from sunburn and predators, and helps keep weight off of the joints. At night they will crawl out and do most of their grazing. At the Zoo during the warmer months, the hippos, like their wild counterparts, spend almost all day in the water. On cooler days you can generally find them sunbathing. Otis has been spending time in and out of the pool. We are aware that it can be frustrating, and that visibility (especially for the bus tours) is not always the best. So yes, we have been throwing them an afternoon “snack” on the beach in an attempt to remedy that problem.

By: Jonah

Jonah — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:35:05 +0000

I have a question for the hippo keepers: When are the hippos mostly on land? Is it on cloudy days or certain times of day? Also, do the keepers ever throw the hippos’ food onto the land? I think they should because I never get to see or take photos of the hippos on land.

By: Diane Schroeder

Diane Schroeder — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:58:13 +0000

Nate:

Great article about the move of Jabba. When I went to the Zoo on the 18th of Feb. I was shocked and very upset to see Jabba gone. Otis is a fine specimen, but Funani is used to Jabba, and she has really mauled Otis and I understand from others that the first three days of introduction were so bad that a hose had to be used to separate them. When I was there, Otis would not let Funani out of the pool. You really think these two will mate? I doubt it VERY MUCH. Send Otis to someone who will appreciate him, and bring back Jabba. (Maybe you could try artificial insemination if the “powers that be” are so concerned about genetic diversity.)

By: Randi

Randi — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:28:31 +0000

I live in Washington and my best friend used to live in san diego, every summer she comes down and sees jabba! Now since Jabba is at the Los Angeles zoo, I don’t know how different it will be for Jabba (and ashley) to get used to the new home! But we are both sure Jabba is very well taken care of. I’m sure Jabba is fine.=)