A haunting scene has unfolded at one of India’s oldest zoos. For the past two weeks, a young hippopotamus at Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo has been stranded in its pool—unable to stand, walk, or even lift its massive body out of the water . The distressing sight has drawn crowds, concern, and urgent questions about animal health, zoo management, and emergency veterinary capabilities in India. But amid the anxiety, there’s a glimmer of hope: veterinary teams report the hippo is slowly responding to treatment.
Table of Contents
- What Happened to the Hippo at Alipore Zoo?
- Hippo Stuck in Kolkata Zoo: Medical Response and Diagnosis Challenges
- Why Hippos Are Vulnerable in Captivity
- Public Reaction and Animal Welfare Advocacy
- Alipore Zoo’s History and Modernization Efforts
- What’s Next for the Stranded Hippo?
- How You Can Support Ethical Zoo Practices
- Sources
What Happened to the Hippo at Alipore Zoo?
Located in the heart of Kolkata, the Zoological Garden—commonly known as Alipore Zoo—is home to over 1,200 animals, including tigers, elephants, and this now-famous young hippopotamus . Around mid-December 2025, zookeepers noticed the hippo was moving less than usual. Within days, it stopped moving entirely.
Unlike their natural riverbank habitats in Africa, captive hippos rely on carefully engineered pools and dry resting areas. But this young male—estimated to be just a few years old—has been lying motionless in the water, unable to use its legs effectively. Staff have been manually assisting with feeding and monitoring its vitals around the clock .
Hippo Stuck in Kolkata Zoo: Medical Response and Diagnosis Challenges
The zoo’s in-house veterinary team immediately sprang into action, but diagnosing large, non-verbal animals is notoriously difficult. Initial assessments point to two leading possibilities:
- A neurological disorder affecting motor control, possibly due to infection or trauma.
- A severe musculoskeletal injury, such as a slipped disc or joint damage, which is common in captive hippos due to hard flooring and limited space.
“The hippo is showing signs of improvement,” a senior zoo official confirmed to the Times of India. “It’s responding to medication and trying to move its limbs, but a definitive diagnosis is still pending” . The zoo has now sought expert consultation from national wildlife veterinarians and veterinary colleges to ensure the best possible care.
Diagnosing neurological issues in hippos often requires advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans—equipment rarely available on-site at zoos in India. Transporting a 1,500+ kg animal for such procedures poses immense logistical and health risks .
Why Hippos Are Vulnerable in Captivity
Hippos may look tough, but they’re surprisingly delicate in captivity. In the wild, they spend up to 16 hours a day in water to regulate body temperature and protect their sensitive skin. On land, they walk on soft riverbeds.
But in many older zoos—including Alipore, established in 1876—the infrastructure wasn’t designed with modern animal welfare science in mind. Concrete pools, inadequate dry areas, and limited space can lead to chronic joint problems, skin lesions, and stress-related illnesses .
According to the World Animal Protection organization, hippos are among the most challenging large mammals to house ethically in zoos due to their size, semi-aquatic needs, and complex social behaviors .
Public Reaction and Animal Welfare Advocacy
Photos and videos of the immobile hippo have gone viral on social media, drawing both sympathy and criticism. Animal rights groups like PETA India have called for an independent investigation into the zoo’s care protocols . Others have defended the zoo, acknowledging its limited resources but praising its transparent communication and round-the-clock care efforts.
“This isn’t just about one hippo,” said Dr. Ananya Sen, a wildlife veterinarian not involved in the case. “It’s a wake-up call for all Indian zoos to upgrade facilities and invest in preventative health programs—not just emergency response.”
Alipore Zoo’s History and Modernization Efforts
While Alipore Zoo is a heritage institution and a beloved Kolkata landmark, it has faced repeated scrutiny over animal welfare. In recent years, however, the zoo has undertaken modernization projects—expanding enclosures, adding environmental enrichment, and collaborating with conservation programs .
The current crisis may accelerate planned upgrades to the hippo habitat, including softer substrates, better water filtration, and veterinary monitoring systems.
What’s Next for the Stranded Hippo?
For now, the hippo remains under 24/7 observation. Staff are rotating it periodically to prevent pressure sores and administering anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and nutritional supplements. If it regains partial mobility, hydrotherapy may be introduced to rebuild strength safely .
Full recovery is possible—but uncertain. In similar cases worldwide, some hippos have regained function after weeks of intensive care, while others have required euthanasia due to irreversible damage.
How You Can Support Ethical Zoo Practices
If this story moved you, consider taking action:
- Visit only accredited zoos that prioritize animal welfare and conservation (look for recognition from bodies like WAZA).
- Donate to organizations supporting zoo modernization in India, such as the Wildlife Trust of India.
- Educate others about the complex needs of large mammals in captivity.
- Follow updates on [INTERNAL_LINK:alipore-zoo-animal-welfare] for ongoing coverage.
Sources
[1] Times of India. “Unable to move, hippo stuck in Kolkata zoo pool for 2 weeks.” January 2026.
[5] Alipore Zoological Garden Official Website.
[6] The Hindu. “Alipore Zoo’s Journey Toward Modernization.”
[7] Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. “Health Challenges in Captive Hippopotamids.”
[9] Smithsonian’s National Zoo. “Hippo Care Guidelines.”
[10] World Animal Protection. “Wild Animals in Captivity: Hippos.” https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/
[12] PETA India Press Statements on Zoo Welfare.