Hippo dies at San Antonio Zoo after illness

San Antonio Zoo animal care specialist Angela Garza (center) talks with visitors about hippopotami Tumbo (left) and Uma, during a feeding, Monday June 13, 2016 at the zoo. San Antonio Zoo animal care specialist Angela Garza (center) talks with visitors about hippopotami Tumbo (left) and Uma, during a feeding, Monday June 13, 2016 at the zoo. Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close Hippo dies at San Antonio Zoo after illness 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

Tumbo, a Nile hippopotamus, died Monday morning at the San Antonio Zoo after weeks of being ill. The 42-year old hippo died while being cared for by veterinarians and animal care specialists for an illness diagnosed in early April, zoo officials said.

They said Tumbo was moved behind the scenes after he exhibited uncharacteristic behavior. Weeks after beginning treatment, zoo staff made the decision to euthanize the hippo after his condition worsened.

“Tumbo was a much-loved member of our zoo family who inspired and educated millions of visitors over the past 42 years,” said Alan Kardon, San Antonio Zoo vice president of animal care. “He brought joy to our guests as one of the featured animals in our underwater viewing area of Africa Live!”

Tumbo gained world-wide recognition when he appeared on the April 2016 cover of National Geographic magazine.