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MANILA, Philippines - Bertha, the lone hippopotamus and considered one of the first animals in the Manila Zoo, has died.
Manila Parks and Recreation Bureau director James Albert Dichaves said zookeepers found the 65-year-old hippopotamus lifeless last week.
Zoo director Albert De Chavez said that Bertha died in her pen Friday afternoon due to complications from old age.
Zookeepers said they found Bertha lifeless in her area this morning. They said the hippo may have died of old age as autopsy results did not point to any disease.
The remains of Bertha were buried in a vacant lot inside the zoo. Dichaves said they will be waiting until the hippos body decomposes so they can get her bones and preserve it for display.
He said they will be writing a letter to Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada requesting purchase of new animals such as hippopotamuses, zebras and giraffes.
The Manila Zoo, formally known as the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden zoo located in Malate, Manila, Philippines that opened on July 25, 1959.
Over decades, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden is home to about a thousand animals from 90 species. The zoo's most popular resident is Mali, an Asian elephant who arrived at the zoo in 1977 as 3 year old calf transported from Sri Lanka, after being poached from the wild.
Since then, a part of everyone's childhood is Manila Zoo. From school's field trip this is one of the most popular places in the itinerary to educate young students to see live animals and what it feels interacting to them.
So long Bertha... you are a part of every child's memories!
Credits: News/ ABSCBN, PhilStar, GMA
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