Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Kolkata Zoo Hippo Refuses to Leave Water for 14 Days
A young male hippo at the Kolkata Zoo has been staying in the water for 14 days straight.
The zoo keepers are not sure why, but they think it might be because the hippo is sick or sad because its friend died.
The hippo usually comes out of the water, but it hasn't been doing that lately.
The zoo is trying to figure out what's wrong and is keeping a close eye on the hippo.
The hippo and its friend came from another zoo in Odisha, but the friend died soon after they arrived in Kolkata.
The zoo has closed off the area to keep the hippo calm.
A young male hippopotamus at Kolkata's Alipore Zoo has stayed in its water enclosure for 14 days.
The hippo has not been eating properly and refuses to leave the water despite attempts by zoo authorities.
Veterinarians are unsure if the behavior is due to illness or grief over the loss of its mate, who died in 2024.
The hippo and its mate were brought to the zoo from Nandankanan in Odisha in September 2024.
The enclosure has been cordoned off from the public to ensure the hippo remains undisturbed.
- Who
- A young male hippopotamus at Kolkata's Alipore Zoo
- What
- Refuses to leave its water enclosure for 14 days
- When
- Since Christmas, during a citywide cold wave
- Where
- Alipore Zoo, Kolkata
- Why
- Possible illness or grief over the loss of its mate
- Location
- Alipore Zoo, Kolkata
- Animal
- Male Hippopotamus
- Duration of Behavior
- 14 days
- Possible Causes
- Illness or grief over lost mate
- Mate's Fate
- Died in 2024
- Origin of Animals
- Nandankanan, Odisha