European zoos don't regulate their animals' reproduction, so they end up with thousands of "surplus" zoo animals every year.
And yes, if they can't find another zoo to take the "excess" the animals are killed and given to others as food... or sometimes thrown into pens as prey.
I got so see live wild hippos in Africa this fall. They must stay damp so they don't get sunburned, but they don't float. So, they stand in pools and flip mud and water on their backs, causing a constant "thwak" "squish" sound. It's awesome.
Did anyone see the Jessica The Hippo story about the hippo who a couple in Africa adopted and is just the cutest/scariest/funniest thing possibly ever?
Also, what kind of heartless worm would want to kill that!?
08/13/09
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye.
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
08/13/09
I feel a bit embarrassed that I initially thought it was someone with Darth Maul face.
08/13/09
08/13/09
Who traveled on a barge
In fact he was the roughest cat
That ever roamed at large
08/13/09
Highlighting such a noble cause, that is.
03/13/09
And yes, if they can't find another zoo to take the "excess" the animals are killed and given to others as food... or sometimes thrown into pens as prey.
03/13/09
03/13/09
I know that he's a hippo, who are natural born killers, but COME ON! He's just a baby!
You would never do that to a baby tiger cub, would you? And they'll rip your face off when they're fully grown!
03/13/09
03/13/09
03/13/09
03/13/09
03/13/09
I'm sorry, that's all I've got. 17 days 'til I move to Texas and I'm already in vacation mode.
03/13/09
03/13/09
03/13/09
Also, what kind of heartless worm would want to kill that!?
03/13/09
03/13/09
03/13/09
Great. Now I'm unpopular. I DIDN'T MEAN IT, YOU GUYS.
03/13/09