Happy the Hippo Leaves the National Zoo

Photograph by Mehgan Murphy/National Zoo

Happy the hippo was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and lived there for 28 years. In recent years, he has been the zoo’s only hippo and shared a habitat with the elephants. On Monday, September 28, Happy moved out in preparation for the Asian elephant exhibit expansion. His new home is at the Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin. Zoo visitors in Washington, D.C. will miss him, but at least Happy will finally have some company–two female hippos named Puddles and Patti.

Learn more about Happy’s big move on the National Zoo’s website.

Get the facts on hippos on National Geographic Kids.

Comments

kj2311
September 30, 2009, 9:46 pm

i am so happy for “HAPPY THE HIPPO” leaving the National Zoo. I hope he Has A WONDERFUL TIME OUT THERE.
marineboy8991
October 1, 2009, 6:30 am

I think that eventually, they should release HAPPY altogether. Then again, it was born in captivitie so he probably wouldn’t have survived.
Stardust
October 2, 2009, 10:29 am

Congratulations Happy!!! I am really pleased. I agree with marineboy8991 fully and I feel kind of sorry for animals in captivity. I hope Happy the Hippo adjusts to his new life quickly. Good Luck!
Stardust
xxx
bookgal1
October 2, 2009, 10:36 am

As a midwesterner I am very excited Happy is coming to Milwaukee. I want to visit him when he arrives.
bookgal1
October 2, 2009, 10:40 am

Welcome to Milwaukee Happy the Hippo. We are thrilled you are coming.
emshemie3
October 4, 2009, 1:33 pm

I believe more zoo animals should eventually be taken back into their real home in the wild.
french fries
November 15, 2009, 10:30 am

happy hippo is so happy that he can get out of the z
oo im glad for him doesnt have to be treated that way
ilove1234
December 6, 2010, 4:16 pm

happy hippois moving
echiu411
December 14, 2011, 8:50 pm

congrats happy!! hope u enjoy ur new life with puddles and patti!! (I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE UR THAT OLD! )
pelicanscience
March 2, 2012, 5:59 pm

happy new zoo… well, Happy! I also agree with marineboy8991. But then what chance would we have to see our favorite animals that live globally? Like pandas elephants and hippos!