Memphis Zoo gets new hippo to pal with Splish
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – The Memphis Zoo’s hippopotamus Splish, who officials said mourned the death of her mother in March, has a new friend.
Zookeeper Dina Mandino said the 25-year-old Splish didn’t eat for about three weeks after 51-year-old Julie died. Julie had given birth to 10 calves over her life, including Splish and her twin Splash in 1988.
The Commercial Appeal (http://bit.ly/13SnFq5 ) reports Binti arrived Wednesday from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Bay Lake, Fla. Mandino said Splish and Binti greeted each other Thursday by touching noses. Binti, also a female, is 10 years younger than Splish.
In 2015, the zoo plans to move both hippos to a new exhibit called Zambezi River Hippo Camp, which will include an underwater viewing area.
Zoo officials also hope to begin a hippo breeding program.
