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Vancouver Hippo Exhibit Receives More Criticism
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| The Greater Vancouver Zoo
is at odds with the city's humane society over the treatment of a baby
hippopotamus that arrived from Quebec 10 months ago. The Vancouver Humane
Society, along with some zoo visitors, say the barn housing the 317 kg (700
lb) animal is far from ideal. Hazina, whose name means "treasure" in Swahili,
spends most of her waking hours submerged in a 2.4m x 2.4m (8' x 8') indoor
pool, off limits to the public.
Jamie Dorgan, the animal care manager at the zoo, says the barn is more than adequate. "She has two large stalls. She has an indoor pond. She has access to the door to get sunlight," he said. Peter Fricker, of the Vancouver Humane Society, said the zoo has a spotty record in caring for its animals. Four hippos have died at the popular attraction since 1983. |
Since Hazina's arrival, the zoo has been
promising to build a bigger home, but so far it hasn't happened. Zoo general
manager Malcolm Weatherston says the zoo has already spent $150,000 on a
new access road, electrical power grid and water well. Once the work is
completed, Hazina's state-of-the-art hippo residence will cost $500,000 and
will be twice the size of the old hippo barn. The zoo promises Hazina will
have a new home in 60 days. The zoo is currently celebrating its 35th
anniversary.
Sources: Canadian Broadcast
Company (online) - 13 August 2005 and www.mytelus.com - 20 August 2005
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