SAN DIEGO — A river hippopotamus named Otis has died at the San Diego Zoo. He was 45.
Otis was nicknamed the “smiling hippo” at the zoo, The Associated Press reported. He got his nickname in 2010 when he was caught in a viral photo showing all his teeth in what appeared to be a big grin.
Otis was born wild in East Africa, before he was brought to San Diego in 2009 to breed. Otis has one calf that survived and continues to live at the zoo with its mother, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
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The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said Otis had been receiving care for degenerative joint and spinal disease. They made the decision to euthanize him when his condition deteriorated.
It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Otis the 45-year-old male river hippo. Otis will be greatly missed by wildlife care staff, veterinarians, volunteers, and guests. Please take a moment to offer your condolences to all those who are feeling this loss. pic.twitter.com/cN20EpXLXR
— San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (@sandiegozoo) November 15, 2021
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