"Goodbye, Hasuni" Korea's Oldest Hippo Dies at 46: What Were Her Final Moments Like?

Together for 42 years since Seoul Grand Park opened
A dependable elder to three generations of hippos
Her strength suddenly declined after years of good health

Hasuni, known as Korea's oldest hippopotamus, has died at the age of 46. She had been at Seoul Grand Park since it opened in 1984 and was an iconic presence at the zoo, creating memories with visitors for more than 40 years.

Hasooni, known as South Korea's oldest hippopotamus, pictured during her lifetime. Seoul Grand Park.

On October 16, Seoul Grand Park announced Hasuni's death on its official website the previous day. Born in 1980, Hasuni was 46 years old this year, making her considerably old given that hippos typically live 40 to 50 years. She had been living healthily without any particular illnesses, but her strength declined sharply recently, and she eventually passed away.

Seoul Grand Park said, "Although she was advanced in age, Hasuni ate well and was healthy. When her strength suddenly declined, the veterinary team and keepers stayed by her side and did everything they could." The park added, "With everyone there to bid her farewell, Hasuni passed peacefully without any particular illness."

Hasuni was an animal whose life was intertwined with the history of Seoul Grand Park. As one of the zoo's original residents, she had been there since it opened in 1984, remaining in the same place from the time visitors came as children until they returned with children of their own. In particular, Hasuni lived alongside generations of hippos at Seoul Grand Park's Second Africa Pavilion and served as a dependable elder in the hippo family. In August this year, she appeared healthy as she ate fruit with other hippos at a special feeding event organized by Seoul Grand Park to help them cope with the heat wave.

News of Hasuni enjoying a special meal just two months ago makes the sudden farewell all the more heartbreaking. Seoul Grand Park paid tribute to her, saying, "Hasuni, one of the original residents when the park opened in 1984, spent many long years by our side. For more than 40 years, she was a dependable elder in the hippo house and gave us many memories and moved us deeply." The park added, "We will never forget the time we shared with Hasuni," and, "We are also grateful to all the many people who loved her."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.