The San Diego Zoo has welcomed a new resident: Guadalupe, fondly called Lupe, a 24-year-old female hippopotamus from Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo. Lupe is currently adjusting to her new environment before being introduced to her future companions at the zoo's recently renovated Hippo Trail habitat.
Lupe, who was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and moved to Seattle in 2003, became the last remaining hippo at Woodland Park Zoo after the passing of her longtime companion, Lily, earlier this year. To ensure her long-term well-being, Woodland Park Zoo officials decided it was best to relocate her to a new home where she could be part of a social group. Her last public appearance in Seattle was September 24, which drew crowds for one final viewing of the
Lupe travelled southward from Washington in a specially outfitted, animal-safe transportation crate in a climate-controlled truck. To ensure a safe and low-stress transport, Lupe had been undergoing crate training for several weeks in the off-view hippo corral area in Seattle to help her become comfortable and desensitized to the crate.
She arrived at the San Diego Zoo a few days ago, perceivably grumpy, and is now spending time in a holding area to recover from her journey. She will soon be introduced to the Hippo Trail habitat, where the zoo's longtime hippos, 39-year-old Funani and her 4-year-old daughter Amahle, moved in March following extensive renovations.
The upgraded habitat is designed to support the hippos' amphibious nature, providing both land and underwater living spaces. Visitors can now enjoy enhanced, interactive viewing experiences through 110 feet of crystal-clear glass, offering a unique underwater perspective of the hippos. A new elevated deck also provides a behind-the-scenes look from above.
Lupe's introduction to her new home will be gradual, as she gets acquainted with the space and her fellow hippos.
The upgraded habitat is designed to support the hippos' amphibious nature, providing both land and underwater living spaces. Visitors can now enjoy enhanced, interactive viewing experiences through 110 feet of crystal-clear glass, offering a unique underwater perspective of the hippos. A new elevated deck also provides a behind-the-scenes look from above.
Lupe's introduction to her new home will be gradual, as she gets acquainted with the space and her fellow hippos.
Originally published on September 30, 2024.