04/25 ~ New Friend for Hazina the Hippo
Greater Vancouver Zoo – PRESS RELEASE
Date: April 25, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW FRIEND FOR HAZINA THE HIPPO
Aldergrove – The Greater Vancouver Zoo is thrilled to welcome a friend
for Hazina and his name is “Haben” which is an African name meaning
“Pride”.
Haben was born August 11, 2005 and is now weighing in at approximately
1000 lbs, which is roughly half the weight and size of Hazina (our
female hippo). The male hippo arrived at the Greater Vancouver
Zoo on April 20, we allowed the two hippos to become familiar with each
other through the various stalls in the indoor enclosure of “Hippo
Haven” (completed in June 2006) to ensure the safety of both
animals.
When Haben arrived at the Zoo he was very calm, but was extremely happy
to indulge himself soon after in the indoor heated pool. Hazina
and Haben then stayed up most of the first night along with their
dedicated Zookeeper, Animal Care Manager and Property Manager.
The hippos communicated by touch through the stalls of the enclosure
and with a variety of grunts and growls. Hippos have
excellent hearing, sight and smell senses.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction of two
animals…..” Jamie Dorgan, Animal Care Manager stated.
Hippopotamus are very social animals and also very territorial, but
Hazina just can’t seem to get enough of him and the feeling seems
mutual.
Haben (on the left) & Hazina (one the right)
Haben grazing on grass in his new home “Hippo Haven”
Hippopotamus means “water or river horse” in Greek. Hippos spend most
of their day wallowing in the water or mud and coming out at night to
feed or graze on the land. At the Zoo our hippos eat hay, grain,
fruits, vegetables, pellets and graze on the grasses.
The media is invited to a “special photo opportunity” today at 11:00 am
to meet Haben and to see Hazina along with Dr. Bruce Burton (Zoo
Veterinarian) and Jamie Dorgan (Animal Care Manager). For further
details, please contact Jody Henderson (Zoo’s Media Contact) Marketing
& Promotions Manager.
# # #
Media Contact:
Jody Henderson
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Phone: 604.856.6825 x 33
Email: jhenderson@gvzoo.com
To learn more about the good things we do at the Zoo
visit us at: www.gvzoo.com or better yet come visit us in person!
Since 1970….dedicated to conservation, preservation & protection of endangered species!
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