http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=84997bba-1d41-4e2a-8794-a7a1c60594c1&k=92242
Inquiry ordered into death of hippo
Animal died after 29-hour truck ride

Deborah Tetley
Calgary Herald

Friday, November 02, 2007

Following several days of public anger and concern on both sides of the border over the death of a six-year-old hippo, Calgary Zoo officials have launched an independent fatality inquiry into her 29-hour truck ride from Denver.

Thursday's announcement comes after officials with both zoos maintained since Monday the cross-border transfer of Hazina the hippopotamus was well-planned, routine and carried out safely.

It's the first time the Calgary Zoo has commissioned an independent review following an animal's death, officials said.

"We still believe things were done according to regulations," Calgary zoo spokeswoman Laurie Herron said, "but we know people are concerned and they have a lot of questions about how long she was transported."

Hazina, who was relocated from Denver to join the Calgary Zoo's breeding program, suffered a heart attack and died Saturday, less than a day after arriving at the zoo.

It's believed the 1,500-kilogram animal developed circulatory problems from lying on one side in her crate for as many as 11 hours during the move.

The probe will be conducted by Dr. Jacques Dancosse.

A Montreal veterinarian, Dancosse is also a member of the animal care team of the International Air Transport Association, which sets and enforces live animal transportation standards.

"We hope this action of commissioning an independent report will put everyone's mind at ease and let them know we will go to every length possible to ensure our animals are cared for properly," Herron said.

Until now, both zoos said they would conduct only internal reviews.

Some critics questioned the Calgary Zoo's move to seek an outside investigation.

"A lot of people think this transfer was botched from the start," said Rob Laidlaw, of Zoocheck Canada.

"So, while I would like to think they are sincerely motivated to find out what happened, I fear it's more like damage control."

The zoo's move comes as several other agencies, including the federal government, also launched reviews into the hippo's death.

While the U.S. Department of Agriculture is reviewing the transfer, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Thursday it is also investigating to see if the Health of Animals Act was violated.

"Provisions in the act are there to protect animals while in transport," agency spokesman Marc Richard said.

"We'll be doing an investigation to determine whether or not there was a violation."

An agency veterinarian examined the hippo before she crossed the Alberta-Montana border at Sweetgrass on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m., Richard said, adding nothing appeared amiss.

When the truck arrived at the Calgary Zoo at 3 p.m., the hippo could not stand. She was coaxed from her crate by zoo staff using pulleys and ropes before she was placed in a pool to relieve the pressure on her legs. The animal died the following morning.

Jessica Milteer, a spokeswoman for the USDA, said although the department never confirms or denies whether an investigation is underway, there is a review.

"We are in touch with both zoos and the contractor to see if any additional steps need to be taken," she said. "We may also ask for health records, driving records, necrospy results or do site visits before we decide what steps to take next."

Meanwhile, the professional animal mover hired in Denver issued a brief statement though the zoo, defending his actions.

Chris Danhauer, who owns Planned Migration, said once he left Denver on Thursday, he checked on the hippo every few hours and was in contact with the Denver Zoo during the trip.

"Hazina showed no outward signs of physical distress at any time during the drive," said Danhauer, who has been moving animals for nine years, including 51 trips for the Denver Zoo since 2000. He also has 13 years experience as a zookeeper.

"We had no idea that she was not doing well until we got to the Calgary Zoo," said Danhauer.

Herron said the review will likely take up to six weeks.

dtetley@theherald.canwest.com.
© The Calgary Herald 2007