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Earlier this year, we announced a big move for our beloved Nile hippo, Mahali to a natural wildlife preserve in Texas. Our partnership with the preserve presented a timely and important opportunity for Mahali’s future and for DZCA’s goals in water conservation. A transport crate arrived in August and our Pachyderm team began working to train Mahali for a comfortable and safe move to his new home.
Crate training initially went very well. Mahali showed early signs of feeling comfortable in the crate, including eating and participating in training inside of the crate. Throughout this process, we shared updates on Mahali’s training, including a video from Animal Care Specialist Gracie Gilbert.
Hippos, specifically, require ample time to prepare for change, and a move as significant as Mahali’s has had to progress at his pace. From an animal wellbeing perspective, care teams have known that they would advance only as Mahali was ready. Mahali was set to depart for his new home this fall, but during the final phase of this crate training, he made it known to his care team that he was not quite ready for this move.
To best support Mahali, and in consideration of approaching winter weather and travel conditions, a decision has been made to continue working with Mahali and delay his departure until spring of 2026. An updated timeline for Mahali’s move will be determined by the training he completes over the next few months.
Maura Davis, Curator of Large Mammals, shared that the Pachyderm team has worked tirelessly and cooperatively from the beginning to support Mahali’s health and comfort, with a shared commitment and understanding that animal wellbeing will always come first. Mahali is no exception, and we are grateful for the extra time we get to spend with him as he continues his training.
When the time comes, Mahali will be well-supported, resilient, and ready for exciting changes ahead.
