ABQ BioPark Honors the Life and Legacy of Moe the Hippo

The ABQ BioPark is celebrating the life of a longtime resident, Moe the male Nile hippo, who passed away yesterday. As we grieve his passing, we reflect on how beloved he was by both guests and staff alike, and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. 

 Moe called the BioPark home for over twenty years and greatly surpassed the 36.7 year median life expectancy for his species. Being 52 years old at the time of his passing, he was the oldest male Nile hippo in facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He also holds the record for being the oldest father to a new calf, as he recently sired a female calf with his partner, Karen. Maisy was born on October 14. 

 Recently, Moe’s animal care team noticed he was not wanting to eat, and discovered he had significant facial swelling. Dental disease is common in elderly animals so he was sedated on Saturday to assess the damage and the infection was too pronounced. His veterinary team made the compassionate but heartbreaking decision to humanely euthanize him. 

 Throughout his long life at the BioPark, he truly encapsulated the meaning of a gentle giant, captivating guests with his calm nature and family-man attitude. His care team notes that fatherhood is a role he excelled at, as he was often seen playing with his 4-year-old daughter, Matilda, letting her rest on his back and cuddle close for naps. 

Moe sired four calves in his lifetime who will help carry on his legacy, including Matilda and his recently-born calf, Maisy.

 We are honored to have been able to care for Moe as long as we did, and are eternally thankful for all the joy he brought to countless individuals. We are also grateful for the awareness he raised for his species, listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. 

Media: B-roll. Here is a link to a video made for Moe’s 50th Birthday, two years ago. Note that the Baby in the video is now four-year-old Matilda, not Maisy.