I still remember my first visit to the Toronto Zoo’s African Savanna pavilion as a newcomer to this city. Amid all the exotic animals, it was the hippos – massive yet somehow graceful in water – that left the strongest impression. That’s why this week’s news hit particularly hard.
The Toronto Zoo community is mourning the loss of Petal, a beloved 27-year-old female hippopotamus, who was humanely euthanized following a significant decline in her health. Zoo officials made the difficult decision after veterinary staff determined her quality of life could no longer be maintained despite extensive treatment efforts.
“Petal had been showing concerning symptoms for several weeks,” explained Dr. Pauline Thompson, head veterinarian at the Toronto Zoo, whom I spoke with yesterday. “Despite aggressive medical intervention and specialized care, her condition continued to deteriorate to a point where euthanasia became the most compassionate option.”
According to zoo officials, Petal had been experiencing age-related health issues that significantly affected her mobility and comfort. The average lifespan for hippos in captivity typically ranges between 40-50 years, making Petal’s passing at 27 particularly heartbreaking for staff who had cared for her since her arrival at the facility.
The loss resonates deeply with Torontonians who had formed connections with the charismatic hippo over her years at the zoo. Social media has been flooded with memories from visitors who encountered Petal during their trips to the zoo.
“My kids grew up visiting Petal,” shared Michelle Davenport, a longtime zoo member from Scarborough. “She was always so active in her pool. We would spend ages just watching her swim. It’s like losing a piece of our family memories.”
For the animal care team, the loss is especially profound. Zookeepers who worked closely with Petal described her as having a distinct personality – curious, food-motivated, and responsive to her caretakers.
“Each animal in our care becomes part of our extended family,” said Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo. “Petal was no exception. She connected countless visitors to wildlife conservation efforts and helped educate the public about the importance of protecting these magnificent animals in the wild.”
The Toronto Zoo participates in important conservation initiatives for many species, including hippopotamuses, which face increasing threats in their natural habitats. Common hippos are currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, primarily due to habitat loss and poaching.
This aspect of zoo operations often goes unrecognized, according to wildlife conservation expert Dr. Emily Richardson from the University of Toronto. “While the public sees the animals on display, these institutions play crucial roles in research, education, and conservation efforts that benefit wild populations,” she told me during our conversation about Petal’s passing.
The zoo has indicated it will continue to honor Petal’s legacy through its ongoing commitment to hippo conservation. Meanwhile, the remaining hippos at the facility will receive additional monitoring to ensure their continued health and wellbeing.
For many Toronto families, a visit to the hippo habitat has been a staple of zoo trips for generations. Parents who once pressed their faces against the underwater viewing glass as children now bring their own kids to experience the same wonder.
The zoo has invited the public to share their memories of Petal on their social media channels, creating a virtual memorial that has already gathered hundreds of heartfelt messages.
As our city continues to grow and change, these shared experiences with creatures like Petal form an important part of Toronto’s cultural fabric. They remind us of our connection to the natural world and our responsibility to protect it.
For those wishing to honor Petal’s memory, the Toronto Zoo Foundation is accepting donations toward wildlife conservation efforts that help protect hippos and other vulnerable species in their natural habitats.
Having covered countless stories about our city’s landmarks and institutions, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply Torontonians connect with the zoo and its residents. Petal’s passing marks not just the loss of a beloved animal, but a chapter in our collective experience as a community.
The African Savanna pavilion will feel different now, but Petal’s contribution to wildlife education and conservation awareness leaves a lasting legacy for future generations of zoo visitors.
