Gertrude the hippo dies at greater Vancouver zoo
Date: August 16, 2004
VHS is very sad to hear of the sudden death of Gertrude, one of two hippos at the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove. Gertrude died on Friday, August 13 of unknown causes. Autopsy results are expected shortly.
VHS criticized the zoo last winter for keeping the hippos in an unheated barn during a severe cold snap.
Subsequently, the zoo lost its accreditation with the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). Zoo managers had promised to build a new hippo facility but had made little progress.
It is tragic that Gertrude spent her 22 years in sub-standard conditions and did not live to see the improved facilities. Hippos can live up to 30 or 40 years in captivity.
We will continue to monitor conditions for the remaining hippo, Harvey, and for the other animals held at the zoo.
