Australia's oldest hippo Brutus dies at 54, people asked to eat watermelon in his memories

Australia lost its oldest hippopotamus named 'Brutus', who died at of 54 at a zoo in elaide on Thursday, May 7. Zookeepers across state are mourning Brutus, who was born in 1965 and was second oldest hippo in captivity anywhere in world. Brutus lived a long life, beyond lifespan of a rmal hippo, who typically lives for 40-50 years. Donna, hippo, holds  record for  oldest living hippo in captivity as she died at of 61 in 2012 at Mesker Park Zoo in Indiana, United States. 

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According to Zoos South Australia, Brutus was euthanised by veterinary staff due to his vanced years, and concerns that -related conditions were likely to cause him furr discomfort over winter period.

much-loved hippo was born at Taronga Zoo in Sydney to Billy and Mumsy and arrived at elaide zoo in 1975, where he h lived for 45 years. Brutus' long-term female partner Susie died in 2017 and is survived by two hippos, his granddaughter Brindabella and great-grandaughter Pansy, both of whom reside at Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria. 

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In memory of Brutus

Zoos South Australia urged all its members and visitors to consider enjoying a slice or two of watermelon or a banana or pear fruit sal in memory of Brutus as se were his favourite foods during his stay at facility.

"Throughout his life, Brutus has been a true ambassor animal for his vulnerable species and his legacy continues both through his family but also in his achievements in educating millions of visitors about plight of his wild cousins and vital conservation work that will hopefully save Hippopotamus from extinction," Zoos South Australia said in a thoughtful tribute post on Facebook. 

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(Im Credit: elaide Zoo/Facebook)