Toronto Zoo Euthanizes Aged River Hippo Petal After Health Issues Prove Untreatable
The Toronto Zoo has announced the euthanasia of its 39-year-old geriatric river hippo, Petal. The decision was made due to health issues that were very difficult to treat and had no assured, positive outcome.
Petal was under general anesthesia for a recent examination when the decision was made to end her life. The zoo's veterinarian team determined that euthanasia was the best course of medical treatment to manage Petal's well-being and prevent ongoing discomfort. A full post-mortem examination was conducted at the Ontario Veterinary College for educational purposes and learning opportunities for vet students.
Petal had undergone dental procedures in the past 15 months, but new issues were found that required extensive treatment with no guarantee of recovery. River hippos can live up to 35 to 50 years in the wild, and some can live longer in captivity. Petal's sister, Perky, can still be visited at the Toronto Zoo.
The Toronto Zoo has confirmed that Petal's health issues were too complex to treat successfully. The zoo's veterinarian team made the difficult decision to euthanize Petal while she was under anesthesia. The post-mortem examination will provide valuable learning opportunities for vet students.
