Toledo Zoo hippopotamus Bubbles, second oldest in North America, euthanized at age 58

5/7/2013

Bubbles, the second oldest hippopotamus in North America - who called the Toledo Zoo home - has died. 

The 58-year-old hippo, who was on display at the Toledo Zoo for 57 years, was euthanized today because of advanced age, according to zoo Executive Director Jeff Sailer.

“She was having some issues today and we decided to euthanize her,” Mr. Sailer said. He said Bubbles far exceeded the average life span for hippos. The oldest hippo in North America, named Blackie, resides at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and is 58 - only one month older than Bubbles was. 

Bubbles was displayed in the zoo's Hippoquarium and Mr. Sailer said said she was viewed by more than 20 million people during her time here.

She was born at The Philadelphia Zoo in October 1954.

Mr. Sailer said he is unsure if the zoo will host a memorial service, but knew that zookeepers were upset about the death.

“Obviously the staff was very attached to her, because she'd been here for so long,” he said.

Patrons will be able to post condolences on the zoo's Facebook page.