A hippo that arrived in Dublin Zoo just last month is now dead.  

Ernie was a 20-year-old male who came from the West Midlands Safari Park in England.

He arrived on May 3rd to join Heidi, a 23-year-old female hippo, in Phoenix Park.

Dublin Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ernie, our male hippopotamus. pic.twitter.com/54nCbpKLSH

— Dublin Zoo (@DublinZoo) May 13, 2024

Announcing his death today, Dublin Zoo said they are “devastated” by the “unexpected” death of Ernie.

“He had been settling in well, demonstrating his inquisitive and active nature in his new environment,” they said.

“We are currently awaiting the results of a comprehensive examination to understand the cause of his sudden passing.”

Ernie the hippo. Image: Dublin Zoo

Hippopotamuses are semi-aquatic and one of the heaviest animals on earth, sometimes weighing up to three and a half tonnes.

They are typically found in shallow lakes and rivers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

'Unique honking'

Welcoming Ernie’s arrival to Dublin earlier this month, Dublin Zoo team leader Helen Clarke said he was settling in well.

“It has been great to see Heidi taking such an interest in him already and we know visitors will enjoy seeing Ernie grazing in his outdoor habitat and enjoying the indoor pool,” she said.

“Hippopotamuses have always been popular with visitors at Dublin Zoo, and we look forward to hearing their unique honking and grunting across the African Plains.”

It follows the death of 45-year-old orangutan Sibu at Dublin Zoo earlier this year who had first arrived in Dublin in the 80s and was a fan favourite among visitors.

Main image: Ernie the Hippo. Image: Dublin Zoo