May 7, 2008 – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is sad to report that Maggie, the Zoo’s 34-year-old Nile hippopotamus, lost her battle with mounting health complications and was euthanized overnight. Maggie, the Zoo’s grand-matriarchal hippopotamus was plagued with chronic lameness and arthritis.

The Zoo’s Director of Conservation and Animal Health, Dr. Della Garelle stated, “the decision to euthanize Maggie was made due to her deteriorating body condition and the discomfort she was experiencing with her arthritis in her hind quarters. Her chronic lameness had resulted in a significant weight loss and a general loss of body condition. In the end, her age could have also been a factor in her down turn in health.” The life span for a hippopotamus is approximately 35-40 years.

Animal Care Manager Roxanna Breitigan remarked, “She was a tough old girl and was definitely grandma-in-charge.” Ms. Breitigan, who is the care supervisor for the Zoo’s hippos also said, “She had a good life and had a lot of babies. The Zoo’s vet and animal staffs did all that was possible to treat Maggie and keep her comfortable during her illness. Everyone loved Maggie, she will be missed so much.”

Maggie, an iconic favorite of Zoo guests, was born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on February 26, 1974 to parents Anthony (Tony) and Cleopatra. During her life, the female hippo had given birth to ten calves at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Maggie’s daughter Samantha, who was moved to the Denver Zoo, eventually gave birth to two granddaughters, 15-year-old Zambezi (zam-BEE-zee) and eight-year-old Kasai (kuh-SIGH), who were sent down to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to keep their grandmother company.

Zoo visitors are encouraged to celebrate Maggie’s life with personal remembrances on-line at cmzoo.org, in a letter, or personally at the Zoo with Aquatics’ building staff.

Founded in 1926, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to more than 800 animals representing approximately 142 species, 30 of which are endangered.
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