Abu Dhabi: Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday announced the opening of the Hippo House, home to a five-year-old hippopotamus named Otto.
Otto, who weighs more than two tonnes, spends more than 10 hours a day submerged in his pool to keep his massive body cool under the hot Arabian sun. His other pursuits are swimming, playing with his ball and feasting on fruits, vegetables and grass.
Dr Waleed Sha’aban, Emirates Park Resort’s zoo operations manager, said: “We are delighted to provide a home for darling Otto and I am happy to report that he is doing great here. Otto has settled into the Hippo House seamlessly and is exceptionally friendly.”
Fondly named the River Horse by the Greeks, the water-loving hippopotamus has become one of the most popular residents in zoos all over the world. Emirates Park Zoo’s own Otto the Hippo has also become a huge hit with children and adults alike, the zoo said in a statement.
“Hippos once had a broader distribution but now live in eastern central and southern sub-Saharan Africa, where the populations are in decline. Emirates Park Zoo who has constantly focused on raising awareness on wildlife conservation and has prominently fought against animal abuse will look to educate the community on the decline of the African hippo species,” Sha’aban said.
Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is located on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, 30 minutes away from Abu Dhabi city and only two minutes from the Formula F1 assembly point. The resort is the first establishment in the UAE with an adjoined private zoo.
The zoo also houses a Giraffe Park, Mammal Cave, Camel Farm, Snake Alley, Bonnet Water Tank and a Mandrill Monkey House.
More information is available on www.emiratespark.ae
