One of Los Angeles’ cherished River Horses is saddling up for a move to Texas – but you still have a chance to say goodbye.

Adhama the hippopotamus is leaving the L.A. Zoo this month and heading for a new habitat at the Dallas Zoo.

Adhama moved to L.A. from San Diego in 2013. The next year he was matched up with female hippo Mara and the pair had a baby, Rosie.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, through its Species Survival Plan, has recommended that the 6-year-old male hippo be moved.

To continue Adhama’s genetic line, he has to move to a new city and meet a new female hippo, which is the plan at the Dallas Zoo’s new $13.6 million, 2.1-acre Simmons Hippo Outpost exhibit, set to open this spring.

“It has been great having Adhama here at the L.A. Zoo,” said Josh Sisk, curator of mammals at the L.A. Zoo. “He will be missed by all, but we are excited to send him off to the Dallas Zoo facility where he will be able to contribute to the sustainability of this species. We all look forward to seeing him in his new home.”

So, how exactly do you move a 3,730-pound hippo roughly 1,450 miles? Turns out you need a big crane, a big truck and a whole lot of snacks.

Zoo staff trained Adhama to walk himself into his travel crate, offering heads of lettuce as a reward.

Once moving day arrives, a crane will hoist the hippo-filled crate – more than 6,000 pounds – into a hippo-friendly semi-truck, modified with air conditioning and a hose for Adhama’s water.

The pudgy passenger will have 50 pounds hay, grain, produce and more to keep him nourished on the 24-hour journey to Dallas.

“It is very common for large animals like Adhama to be hauled to other zoos in large trucks because of the size and weight of their crate,” Sisk said, adding the hippo had already experienced one road trip from San Diego to L.A. “Our focus for this upcoming longer trip is to ensure his safety and make him as comfortable as possible.”

Zoo guests still have the opportunity to see Adhama and say farewell before his departure, which has been set for sometime in the week of March 20.

The hippo family of Adhama, Mara and Rosie are currently out in their habitat daily, weather permitting.