Werribee zoo's Harry the hippo put down due to foot condition

Updated

A hippopotamus at Werribee Open Range Zoo in Melbourne has been put down after treatment to a long-term foot condition failed to cure the animal.

Harry, 36, did not respond to medication or foot bath treatments and zoo keepers said the condition had worsened with old age.

They said Harry, who was one of the zoo's oldest residents, stopped eating and was showing signs of pain making him unable to stand.

The zoo says keepers and the vet team had done an amazing job to ensure he received the highest level of care.

He was born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in 1978 and moved to Werribee zoo six years later.

Post-mortem tests will be conducted before Harry is buried in the grounds of the zoo.

Topics: animals, human-interest, zoos, werribee-3030

First posted