'Devastated' - Tragedy at Dublin Zoo as new hippo Ernie dies only two weeks after arrival

Dublin Zoo has sadly announced the sudden death of its newest arrival Ernie the hippopotamus, who had only recently arrived in Ireland at the end of April.

Ernie had come to Dublin Zoo from the West Midlands Safari Park in England, and was set to be a companion to female hippo Heidi who has lived at Dublin Zoo for some time.

Zoo officials said that Ernie had been settling well upon his arrival, and his death was unexpected. They are now waiting to receive results of an examination to understand why Ernie suddenly died.

The team at Dublin Zoo have said they are "devastated" by his death.

Dublin Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ernie, our male hippopotamus. pic.twitter.com/54nCbpKLSH

— Dublin Zoo (@DublinZoo) May 13, 2024

Some commenters responded to the sudden death with concerns about the conditions for the hippos in Dublin Zoo, with one commenter saying "I know as a Zoologist that hippos can survive squalid conditions, but as others said, the hippo enclosure is in dire need of a revamp, moreso than some of the other renovations."

Dublin Zoo have been contacted for comment.