Beloved hippo “Penelope” dies at age 31

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MONROE, La. (City of Monroe) - Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo officials say beloved hippo Penelope has died. She was 31 years old.

Joe Clawson, Director of the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo says, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our beloved hippopotamus, Penelope. Penelope has been a featured animal at our zoo since 1988. She was almost 32 years old. The life expectancy of a hippo in captivity is 40-years-old. She died in her sleep yesterday. Autopsy results show she died from a heart condition. We are all saddened to see Penelope go. We will keep our options open for finding a companion for Monreaux, our five-year-old hippo.”