An easy-going hippo was savagely beaten in El Salvador’s National Zoological Park and died from his injuries days later.
The hippo, known as Gustavito, was a particular favorite of zoo fans. Officials believe he was brutally attacked last Wednesday at night under cover of darkness in his San Salvador enclosure. No one was initially aware of his injuries until managers noticed he was behaving strangely, not eating and spending an inordinate time huddled in his pool of water, CNN reported.
When veterinarians examined him, they found the 15-year-old hippo in “great distress.” He had suffered multiple wounds or bruising over much of his body, including his feet, neck, face, and even inside of his mouth, which likely occurred as he tried to defend himself, said zoo director Vladen HenrÃquez. Officials believe he was attacked with rocks, metal bars, knives and an ice pick.
Workers spent 24 hours a day caring for him, but he passed away on Sunday.
Zoo officials called the attack on the Gustavito “cruel and inhumane,” and the Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation to find the attackers.
Gustavito had been at the zoo for 12 years after he was brought there from Guam, and was the park’s star attraction. Fans tweeted their sorrow at his death. “Whoever did this has to pay,” said one.
El Salvador is one of the world’s most violent countries, but the death of Gustavito was a particular low point for residents. “We’re used to seeing the dead every day,” a San Salvador street vendor told The Associated Press. “But this tops it all. They killed an animal that only entertained us.”
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