A young hippopotamus at Kolkata's Alipore Zoological Gardens has become the centre of intense medical attention after it refused to leave its pool for an astonishing 15 days. The animal, named Hippo One, appears to be unable to move, likely due to a neurological disorder or a leg injury, marking a severe departure from its normal behaviour.
Round-the-Clock Medical Vigil for the Ailing Hippo
Deeply concerned by the situation, the zoo authorities have formed a special five-member medical team to monitor the three-and-a-half-year-old male hippo continuously. The team, comprising three zoo doctors and two from a veterinary hospital in Belgachhia, is providing 24x7 care. Zoo Director Tripti Sah stated that while the hippo is slowly responding to treatment, a definitive diagnosis is yet to be reached. "At this stage, we cannot say with certainty what it is suffering from — a neurological ailment or a leg injury," Sah explained.
Officials have made the cautious decision not to forcibly move the nearly two-tonne animal from the water. Instead, the enclosure has been cordoned off with "view-cutters" to minimise public disturbance and allow the animal to rest. There is a glimmer of hope as the hippo has slowly started accepting its normal diet, which includes a mix of sweet potato, carrot, green grass, banana, and sugarcane top.
A History of Tragedy and Recovery
The backstory of Hippo One adds a layer of poignancy to the current crisis. The male was brought to Alipore Zoo from Odisha's Nandankanan Zoological Park in September 2024 along with a female companion. Tragically, the female hippo died within days of arrival from an unknown cause. Following this loss, Hippo One reportedly became less active, showed signs of depression, and lost its appetite.
By the second half of 2025, the animal had gradually regained its mobility and normal eating habits, making its current relapse all the more worrying. The zoo currently houses another hippopotamus—a 22-year-old female—in an adjacent enclosure.
Collaborative Efforts and Cautious Hope
The Alipore Zoo administration is not working in isolation. They are actively in touch with other zoological parks across the country to consult on the best possible course of treatment for Hippo One. The primary goal is to accurately diagnose the problem before proceeding with any major intervention.
"The team is continuously monitoring its condition... We are, however, hopeful about recovery," affirmed Director Tripti Sah. The situation remains delicate, but the dedicated efforts of the veterinary team and the animal's resumed eating offer a fragile optimism for the beloved zoo resident's return to health.
