TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Zoo (台北市立動物園) mourned the loss of Thabo, a pygmy hippo (侏儒河馬), who died at 4:22 a.m. on Monday (March 10). Thabo succumbed to a small wound infection and weather changes, leaving caretakers deeply saddened. Thabo arrived from Singapore Zoo in November 2024 and, after a month-long quarantine, joined the African Animal Area (非洲動物區), relying heavily on caretakers due to his cautious and timid nature.
Caretakers discovered a small wound on Thabo's right foot on Feb. 11, initiating oral medication treatment. However, Thabo's resistance to the medication's taste complicated the treatment efforts. Thabo's condition worsened on March 9, prompting the medical team to arrange an emergency intensive care unit. Despite close monitoring, Thabo's monitored blood figures remained poor, leading to his unfortunate passing.
This morning, the National Taiwan University's School of Veterinary Medicine's (台大獸醫專業學院) molecular and comparative pathobiology team (分子暨比較病理團隊) assisted with the autopsy, revealing that malnutrition, circulatory disorders, and infection contributed to Thabo's health decline. The zoo and conservation organizations will continue collaborating to maintain the health of animal populations.
Taipei Zoo later released a statement thanking Thabo for the time he had spent with the zoo.