The sad story of a Taiwanese hippopotamus ended in tragedy on Monday when a second accident resulted in his death.
The hippo – named “Ah-ho” – made headlines last week after he fell off the back of a truck and broke his leg. At the time, he was being transferred from a temporary shelter to a recreational farm in Taichung called Skyzoo, where he had lived for the past eight years.
But handlers then discovered early on Monday morning that the hippo had died from a second fall. This time, the fall occurred when the ropes securing the shipping container that was holding him snapped, sending the container plunging to the ground from a height of two meters.
Agriculture Minister Chen Bao-ji spoke about the case on Monday when answering questions at the legislature. He said that the accident could result in a prison term of up to one year for those found culpable.
“Regardless of how the hippo fell, it’s clearly a case of negligence on the part of the handlers and owners," said Chen. "And upon hearing news of the injury and subsequent death, we will call for the most severe punishment in accordance with the Animal Protection Act.”
Chen said that transporting animals requires the utmost of caution and care, and that there is absolutely no excuse for an animal to be injured.
Meanwhile, authorities in Taichung have already charged the owners of Skyzoo Recreational Farm with violating animal protection laws. The Taipei Zoo has also determined the cause of death, saying that it is related to his fall.