COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - A hippopotamus that was one of the first animals at Columbia's Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has died.

From the WIS website......
Zoo officials said Wednesday that Montgomery the hippo had several chronic medical issues that became difficult to control and treat. He was euthanized Tuesday.

Zoo senior veterinarian Keith Benson said the hippo's health had been declining for the past several months. Benson said it became difficult to keep Montgomery comfortable as the illness progressed.

Montgomery, also called "Monty," was born at the Memphis Zoo in 1972. He had been at the Columbia zoo since 1974.

A flamingo and a white-faced saki monkey are the zoo's two remaining original animals.


Given the fact that Monty is no longer with us, I feel especially blessed to have caputred this picture a few years ago. This hippo was one of my favorite spots to visit.. He will certainly be missed.