SEATTLE — Lily, a 2,700-pound hippo, isn’t sporting her usual cheeky smile.
Neither are her fans.
The 45-year-old hippo is in palliative care at Woodland Park Zoo. Her cheek swelling is due to an inoperable malignant tumor.
There is no clear life expectancy at this point for Lily, considered a geriatric hippo. In the wild, hippos live about 40 years, but in zoos can reach their 50s.
A zoo spokesperson said Lily is believed to be one of only two hippos in Washington state. The other is Lupe, her habitat BFF at the Seattle zoo.
Lily, whose full name is Water Lily, has called Woodland Park home since 1979, arriving at age 1 from her Houston Zoo birthplace. Lupe, a 25-year-old female weighing 2,900 pounds, came in 2003 from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida. Hippos are social animals and need companionship as well as lots of food and water.
A recent medical procedure on Lily involved about 30 zoo staff and a veterinary dentist who specializes in mega mammals. Lily has fibrosarcoma, a type of cancer of connective tissue.
“This diagnosis was not the result we had hoped for, but we are glad that now we know and can create a plan to provide her the best possible care,” Dr. Tim Storms, zoo director of animal health, said in a press release. “We are exploring the possibility of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatments used in humans and other animals. Unfortunately, these options are difficult in Lily’s case because of her size, the location and size of the tumor, as well as the risk of repeated anesthetic procedures. Our primary focus will be to ensure she has the best possible care and quality of life for the time she has left with us.”
It was Lily’s first dental surgery for swelling suspected to be caused by a tooth problem.
“Since we’ve shared the news about Lily, we have seen an outpouring of love and support from the community. She is truly beloved,” zoo spokesperson Craig Newberry said in an email. “At this time, there are no special events planned for her.”
The zoo held a celebration for “Birthday Queen Lily” when she turned 45.
News of Lily’s condition generated a big response on social media.
“Such a longtime favorite gal,” one poster wrote.
Said another: “Hippo immobilization is no joke. Props to zoo staff involved and setting her up with palliative care.”
Woodland Park Zoo is a popular spot for field trips for Snohomish County schools and others in the state.
Lily’s surgery last week left her with a visible surgical wound on her cheek.
Zoo visitors may notice it when they see Lily, but it doesn’t detract from her enormous beauty.
Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterbrown.
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