Pygmy hippo transferred from S'pore Zoo to Taipei Zoo in 2024, dies at age 3

Thabo, a pygmy hippo born in 2022 at the Singapore Zoo, passed away at Taipei Zoo in Taiwan on Mar. 10, 2025.

In a press release announcing his passing, Taipei Zoo said Thabo's caretakers were grief-stricken by the news and thanked Thabo for the time he spent at the zoo.

Thabo was transferred to the zoo from Singapore on Nov. 19, 2024, as part of a cross-regional conservation collaboration to protect the endangered species and maintain genetic diversity within the species.

His name means "happiness" and "joy" in the Nguni language, which is spoken in southern Africa.

Mothership understands that Thabo will not be brought back to Singapore as his custodianship lies with Taipei Zoo.

Thabo 'cautious, timid & picky about food'

According to Taipei Zoo, after arriving in Taipei, Thabo was housed in its African animals zone after spending a month in quarantine.

"As Thabo is cautious, timid, and picky about food by nature, he relied on the thorough care of his zookeepers when he first arrived at the zoo," read the press release.

Besides being mindful about Thabo's food preparation, his keepers had also tried to help him desensitise and adapt to the new environment by interacting with him, added the zoo.

Found 'small wound' on Thabo on Feb. 11

However, just as the zoo and Thabo's keepers thought everything was on the right track, they were shocked to find out on Feb. 11 that Thabo had sustained "a small wound" on the side of his right foot.

Although his keepers began giving him oral medication, Thabo refused to take them because "he was always afraid of the smell of medicine", said the zoo.

Additionally, he was also scared of the zoo's daily treatment for his wound and would try to make an escape.

As multiple swellings gradually began to appear on Thabo's body, the zoo had to "continue cleaning his wounds intensively" and "draw his blood to check on his condition".

Thabo's health continued declining

According to Taipei Zoo, to help Thabo recover as soon as possible, his keepers had tried to replenish his energy and strength by changing the ingredients of his food.

However, Thabo's appetite did not improve, causing him to suffer from insufficient nutrition and a further decline in his health.

The situation was further exacerbated by the recent weather conditions in northern Taiwan, which were characterised by extreme winter currents and significant temperature differences between day and night.

As Thabo was used to Singapore's stable and warm climate, his treatment process became even more challenging, said the zoo.

Passed away on Mar. 10

On Mar. 9, the veterinary team set up an emergency care team for Thabo, looking after him closely round the clock.

However, Thabo's blood test results remained poor, showing high white blood cell counts and low blood sugar.

The next day, a vet confirmed Thabo's passing at 4:22am, around a month after Thabo's keepers first spotted the wound on his foot.

According to Taipei Zoo, Thabo was surrounded by several veterinarians and keepers at the time of his death.

An autopsy report issued by the National Taiwan University found that Thabo had suffered from malnutrition, circulatory disorders, and infections before his passing.

"Medical treatment for large animals is not easy, and animals' unwillingness to show their weakness and their inability to communicate verbally like humans have always been the biggest challenge for his caretakers," said the zoo.

Mandai sad to learn about Thabo's passing

In response to Mothership's queries, a Mandai Wildlife Group spokesperson said it was sad to receive the news about Thabo's passing.

"It was indeed a difficult time not only for his previous keepers but also for his present team of carers while they assessed this unfortunate outcome," added the spokesperson.

Top images via Taipei Zoo