Following the instructions of the international hippopotamus conservation program, the Valencian park received the female Serena just 3 months ago.
These days, large audience who comes to BIOPARC as one of the essential references of the Valencian Community, has expressed his astonishment at a truly sensational image, such as Watch two young hippos play and interact underwater.
In Spain this is only possible in the Valencian park, as it is the only place that offers an underwater view of what the Greeks called “river horses” and, even more attractive, this image is seen in a reproduction of the ecosystems of the large African lakes, where they share space with colorful tropical freshwater fish. The area of the Kitum Cave hides a huge 300.000 liter aquarium in which Serena, 3 years old, and Gori, 4 years old. They continue with the acclimatization phases of the female that arrived a little over 3 months ago from the Basel Zoo (Switzerland), on the recommendation of the European Program for the Conservation of Endangered Species (EEP).
His adaptation has progressed correctly and, maintaining animal welfare protocols, he has recently begun to share with the male Gori the outdoor enclosure of the Kitum Cave, the only space in Spain where you can contemplate these “giants” with an underwater vision in a faithful recreation. of the great African lakes.
The care of common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) entails significant complexity, which requires specialist personnel and indoor and outdoor facilities that guarantee maximum well-being and that combine a terrestrial and aquatic environment adapted to the third largest land animal, after elephants and the white rhinoceros, with a weight of between 1.500 and 3.000 kg.
Since BIOPARC received Serena, the technical team has been dedicated to promoting her adaptation and integration. with the hippos that were already in the park, Gori and his mother Rigas (24 years old).
The process and “know-how” have allowed him during this time to get to know and become familiar with these animals and the different spaces that are now his home. Following the procedure, a few weeks ago the step was taken for him to discover and get used to the outdoor area that has a wide sandy beach and the large aquarium.
Given the positive course of events, once sufficient confidence was shown, the protocol was continued and the two young people began going out together, which means a success in your relationship. Their games are constant and they both enjoy running around the glass aquarium, providing an impressive picture of this iconic species.
The IUCN Red List includes this recognized species with a status of “vulnerable to extinction”, so it is essential to raise awareness and promote its preservation.
Unfortunately, it is worth remembering that the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has classified the common hippopotamus, with poaching eager for their meat and ivory teeth, as well as the relentless loss of habitat being their greatest threats.
BIOPARC shows once again its commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and nature, not only participating in preservation programs, but also bringing its shocking grandeur closer to society, with the aim of motivating towards their knowledge and protection.
