The Denver Zoo on Wednesday issued a further response to concerns raised by animal-rights groups about the death of a 6-year-old hippopotamus that died last week during transport to the Calgary Zoo in Alberta.
The 3,000-pound hippo, Hazina, died during the 29-hour journey by truck. The hippo apparently died from pressure myopathy, which resulted from her lying in one position for an extended period of time, officials said.
The owner of Planned Migration, Chris Danhauer, said he checked on Hazina frequently during the trip, every 2 to 3 1/2 hours, and “Hazina showed no outward signs of physical distress at any time.”
Denver Zoo officials said Danhauer is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an animal transporter and has nearly nine years’ experience transporting animals.
Hazina saw two vets at the Canadian border a little more than three hours from Calgary.
The Denver Zoo also responded to questions by animal-rights groups about its decision to use ground transportation, saying that in this case there were no air carriers that transport animals into Canada.
Denver Zoo’s explanations come a day after the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals urged the USDA to investigate Hazina’s death.
The Denver Zoo has successfully transported 14 hippos dating back to 1966 without incident, officials said.
Manny Gonzales: 303-954-1537 or mgonzales@denverpost.com
