Guest guest Posted August 30, 2002 Report Share Posted August 30, 2002 Saturday, 10 August, 2002, 10:24 GMT 11:24 UK Hippo death sparks Thai zoo inquiry Hippos are aggressive animals By Phil Mercer BBC correspondent in Bangkok Thai authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a day-old baby hippopotamus killed in suspicious circumstances at a zoo in Bangkok. The young calf was fatally bitten by adult hippos, apparently let into his cage on purpose. The killing has caused outrage and disbelief in Thailand. It has made front page headlines in the major newspapers, which have all printed gruesome pictures of the mutilated infant. There are widespread suspicions that the death of such a prized exhibit is part of a conspiracy to discredit the head of Bangkok's Dusit Zoo. One report said the power struggle was driven by extreme pride and pure ego. Aggressive animals The authorities are making strenuous efforts to get to the bottom of the mystery, and a formal police investigation is under way. A post mortem found the calf had died of internal bleeding Security guards who were on duty on the night the hippopotamus was killed have been subjected to lie detector tests in an attempt to establish who, if anyone, deliberately let adults into the baby's pen. The guards could face up to seven years in jail if convicted of destroying state property. A post mortem ordered by a senior government minister has found that the youngster died from internal bleeding after being mauled by adults. Hippos are highly aggressive creatures. In their native Africa, they are considered one of the continent's most dangerous animals. Their huge teeth are often used as weapons, and their mouths can open more than a metre wide. Experts say male hippos have been known to attack babies born to rivals. -- Dave Neale Animals Asia Foundation Find out more about the historic China Bear Rescue by visiting the Animals Asia Foundation website at http://www.animalsasia.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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