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Why is Mahali Moving?
Old Pachyderms, the building that has housed Mahali and dozens of other hippos, rhinos and elephants since 1959, needs maintenance and repair to remain up to standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), from both an animal husbandry and guest perspective. In our most recent inspection conducted by AZA, the facility was flagged for significant updates and is no longer considered suitable for the species. We are aware that Old Pachyderms would not pass future inspections without substantial upgrades.
The Past, Present And (Sustainable) Future Of Old Pacyderms
The Old Pachyderms facility has been a cornerstone of DZCA’S campus and a huge part of our history. Our institution has done incredible things to contribute to the advancement of animal husbandry, and Old Pachyderms has had a lot to do with that. But as the Zoo advances as a conservation organization and our resource stewardship deepens, we must look to the future with sustainable goals and focus on our commitment to reduce waste, especially where water is concerned.
Current operations, including daily pool maintenance, habitat cleaning and continuous freshwater access, consume nearly 21 million gallons of water annually, representing 27% of DZCA’s total water usage in 2024 and equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 350 four-member households. Combined with the cost of natural gas to heat the water, Mahali’s habitat creates nearly $200,000 in expenses in utilities each year.
As part of our sustainability commitments, DZCA established an ambitious water reduction target a few years ago. As of December 2024, we were 7 million gallons short of this goal. Mahali’s move will not only help us achieve this target but exceed it significantly, while simultaneously reducing the Zoo’s demand on the local water supply and demonstrating our commitment to conserving resources.
Following Mahali’s move to Texas, his previous habitat in Old Pachyderms will remain vacant as maintenance is performed, and decisions are made about what species may be housed in this space. Because large hippos are not included in our master plan there is no discussion about bringing in a new Nile hippo or similar large hippos.
Why Now?
We have known that the Nile hippo was never intended to be a part of our long-term plan and that we would eventually phase out the species. Over DZCA’s long tenure, we have housed and cared for nearly two dozen hippos. Despite this notable history, our cooperative partnership with the wildlife preserve in Texas presented a timely and interesting opportunity for Mahali’s future and for our goals in water conservation.
Colleagues from a fellow AZA-accredited zoo conducted an inspection of the preserve for DZCA approval and discussions about Mahali’s disposition began earlier this year. Our partnership with the wildlife preserve has resulted in the arrival of the desert big horn sheep that we recently welcomed to Sheep Mountain, the arrival of our red-flanked duiker, Biscuit, that arrived in June 2023 and will be the future home of lesser kudu, Vinny. Mahali will be introduced to an older female hippo in his new home.
What Happens Next?
A crate will soon arrive on campus and be placed in Mahali’s yard. Large animals require ample time to prepare for a move as significant as this one. It is important from an animal wellbeing perspective that Mahali feels comfortable in the crate and is able to participate in training to be at his pace between now and the fall. In preparation for the move, Mahali’s care team is working hard to support both his overall health and his comfort in travel, ensuring that Mahali is going to be well-supported and resilient when the time comes.
Preparing to Say Goodbye
Mahali was born at DZCA in 2002 to mother Samantha and father Bert and has been a fan favorite among staff, volunteers and our guests ever since. Crowds gather around Mahali’s pool to watch him play with his toys, drink from his firehose and sunbathe. Kids and adults alike delight at his antics and even the occasional splatter as he would spray his poop around in a territorial gesture. Mahali’s departure will leave a hippo-shaped hole in our hearts and on our campus.
Between now and the fall, our staff, volunteers, members and guests have time to enjoy Mahali’s special contribution to the Zoo and wish him well on his next journey. Mahali will be deeply missed as his impact on campus and on all of us was nothing short of “huge.”
