GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The results of an internal investigation at the John Ball Zoo are released almost four months after a pygmy hippo attacked and killed a sitatunga antelope.
The attack happened in May, delaying the opening of the new Pygmy Hippo exhibit.
The two animals were slowly being introduced to later live in the same habitat when the hippo attacked.
According to zoo officials, there have been updates to protocols and procedures when introducing animals, like finding ways to change habitats for better safety and more reviews on the animals before introductions.
As for what caused the incident between the hippo and the antelope, the zoo said it was likely due to "individual animal behavior."
13 On Your Side spoke with Michigan State University Professor, Dr. Richard Snider who specializes in Zoo Science.
He said that individual animal behavior can sometimes be unpredictable.
"You learn to see the danger signs," said Dr. Snider. "And sometimes the animal is registering a danger sign, but we don't know how to interpret it yet, because we haven't had extensive experience with that species. They're on a learning curve, so to speak, every zoo is on a learning curve."
In a statement on the incident John Ball Zoo's CEO Peter D'Arienzo said:
“At John Ball Zoo, our mission is providing world-class animal care and promoting education and conservation efforts to preserve wildlife and wild places. We remain heartbroken by this incident which occurred after years of research and careful planning for the habitat and visiting other institutions with experience and knowledge regarding pygmy hippo and sitatunga behavior and introductions.
Correspondence from the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not include important context and details about the 300 hours of visual introductions between the pygmy hippo and the sitatunga, during which the vast majority of interactions were positive and supported a successful introduction, which does a disservice to the scientists and animal care specialists trying to use this tragic incident as a moment to learn, improve and prevent incidents like this from happening again.
Our internal review and analysis have identified additional opportunities to modify the habitat to promote enhanced safety during future introductions, and we have already begun implementing some of these protocols and procedures today. John Ball Zoo values our collaboration with the USDA to champion animal care and increase the scientific body of information on the care of wild animals.”
John Ball Zoo officially opened their Pygmy Hippo exhibit in June of this year.
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