Colchester Zoo announces death of Freddy the pygmy hippo | UK News

A zoo has announced the death of a much loved pygmy hippo who has died aged 34.

Freddy the pygmy hippo had lived at Colchester Zoo in Essex since 2002 and before that lived at Givskud Zoo in Denmark.

He suffered a carcinoma in his oral cavity which forced zoo keepers to put him to sleep.

Freddy leaves an impressive legacy behind having fathered six calves between 2009 and 2020.

He contributed significantly towards the European Breeding Programme for his species which are currently listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List.

A spokesperson for the zoo said: ‘Freddy had such a large character and enjoyed attention from the animal care team with whom he had built strong relationships over the 22 years he had called Colchester Zoo home.

‘He has left the team with many fond memories, and he will be deeply missed by so many of the zoo family and visitors alike.’

Head keeper at Colchester Zoo Ang Matthews worked with Freddy for 14 years and said: ‘I had a very good relationship with him; he always loved the attention of the keepers and loved a scratch behind the ear.

‘He was a very gentle animal and he adored Venus. Whenever they were mixed together, he would love to follow her about, but always had to do as she wanted!

‘Freddy liked nothing more than to lay in the tunnel to the outside enclosure and just enjoy the heat of the sun.

‘His inquisitive and friendly character made him very popular with staff and guests alike and he will be sorely missed.’

The zoo is still home to Venus, 23, who arrived in 2003 and whilst she had calves with Freddy the pair mainly lived solitary lives.

Venus will miss Freddy during breeding season but the zoo confirmed her day-to-day life will not be impacted.

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