Culiacán Zoo investigates death of male hippopotamus

A three-year-old male hippopotamus, known as Motomoto, has died at the Culiacán Zoo in Sinaloa, Mexico. Zoo administrators have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of death, with a preliminary hypothesis suggesting the animal may have suffered from endotoxic respiratory shock.

According to clinical records, the hippopotamus and its mate, Gloria, had recently stopped entering their usual nocturnal enclosure for feeding. While both animals were found in the pool with food remains present, the male failed to leave the water when staff attempted to move them, leading to the discovery of his death.

Specialized histopathological studies are currently underway to examine tissue damage. Meanwhile, the zoo is monitoring the female's health and has requested technical support from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa). Local legislator Jorge González has called for a thorough investigation and a review of the care measures implemented since the animals arrived at the facility in 2025.