From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Zoo announced on Monday the passing of two of its longtime animals this past week following health complications.
Matt, a 14-year-old male komodo dragon, and Tadpole, a 41-year-old male Nile hippopotamus, died this past week. Matt died of heart failure, while Tadpole’s necropsy exam identified a large number of bladder stones.
“The passing of Matt Komodo dragon and Tadpole hippo is a devastating loss for not only our staff and volunteers but also for our guests who loved them,” Birmingham Zoo President and CEO Chris Pfefferkorn said. “Both animals were beloved longtime members of our Zoo family and always received the best care and attention from our Animal Care staff. Matt and Tadpole hold a special place in our hearts, and they will be deeply missed. We are thankful to our extended Zoo family and the community for your continued support during this time.”
According to the Birmingham Zoo, Matt was euthanized on Thursday, June 18, 2020, following a sudden onset of hind limb weakness. His conditioned continued to worsened and it was decided to euthanized him.
Tadpole was monitored for increased kidney values, which continued to increase and led the hippopotamus to stop eating. The zoo decided to euthanize him on Friday, June 19, 2020.
“The decline in health and passing of Matt and Tadpole is very heartbreaking,” Birmingham Zoo Director of Animal Health Dr. Stephanie McCain said. “Both animals were favorites of many — they will be greatly missed by all of us.”
About Matt Komodo Dragon
Matt was born on August 8, 2007 at the San Antonio Zoo. He came to the Birmingham Zoo on September 17, 2009 and resided in his habitat in the Reptile building. Matt was known to be smart and inquisitive, mastering crate training in just three sessions. He was quite adept at participating in husbandry training and readily learning new behaviors that greatly assisted with his care. Matt was also known by the Animal Care Professionals who cared for him to be mischievous and funny, and he enjoyed relaxing in his pool, sometimes dipping his head under the water, and blowing bubbles.
About Tadpole Nile Hippopotamus
Tadpole was born on October 22, 1978, at the Houston Zoo. He came to the Birmingham Zoo on June 16, 1979 and resided in his indoor and outdoor habitat (both equipped with pools) in Trails of Africa. Tadpole was one of the oldest living Nile hippopotamus at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo. He was known to enjoy sleeping in his pool during the day, playing in the hose, and eating his favorite foods of apples and bananas. He was fondly described by his caretakers as “sassy.”