- Animal introduction at AZA zoo turns deadly.

A male sitatunga Chopper, a recent addition to the John Ball Zoo, killed on Tuesday after being attacked and killed by Jahari, the zoo's new pygmy hippo. On Tuesday night, John Ball Zoo made the announcement.

The new multi-species habitat at the zoo, which includes pygmy hippos, intended to include Chopper.

The zoo claims that during the past month, staff members successfully performed visual introductions between Chopper and Jahari.

"Chopper", (male sitatunga)

Tuesday, when qualified animal care employees attempted a controlled introduction, they claim Jahari abruptly attacked Chopper.

The CEO of the John Ball Zoo, Peter D'Arienzo, remarked, "This sad incident reminds us that despite enormous precautionary measures taken by zoo staff over the last several weeks, the behavior of wild animals can be unpredictable."

Although they made an effort to preserve Chopper, they were unsuccessful in doing so.

D'Arienzo continued, "At John Ball Zoo, giving our animals the best care possible is our first priority. We are profoundly sorry by the passing of Chopper, who was loved by all the team who looked after him and who are currently grieving this loss.

In accordance with its policies and standards for animal care, the zoo promises to conduct a thorough investigation into the occurrence.

Prior to "Hippopalooza," which is slated to take place from Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4, this tragedy occurred.

The three-day celebration will feature live music, animal activities, and specialty foods to mark the opening of the zoo's brand-new, cutting-edge pygmy hippo exhibit.

Here is the John Ball Zoo's whole statement from Tuesday night.

"John Ball Zoo is deeply saddened to announce our male sitatunga, Chopper, died Tuesday. Chopper was slated to be part of our new multi-species habitat, featuring pygmy hippos. After successful visual introductions between Chopper and the pygmy hippo throughout the last month, trained animal care staff were attempting a controlled introduction of our pygmy hippo with Chopper inside their habitat when the pygmy hippo suddenly attacked Chopper. Zoo staff separated the animals immediately. Our animal care team provided emergency care, but efforts to resuscitate Chopper were unsuccessful. Consistent with our animal care protocols and procedures, a full review of the incident is underway. The Zoo has successfully introduced species many times, and our staff was thoroughly prepared for this introduction. This sad incident reminds us that despite enormous cautionary measures taken by Zoo staff over the last several weeks, the behavior of wild animals can be unpredictable. At John Ball Zoo, providing world-class care for our animals is our number one priority, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of Chopper, who was loved by all the staff that cared for him and who are today grieving this loss."

Under the Animal Welfare Act the regulations state in  Section  3.133 - (Separation) requires that Animals housed in the same primary enclosure must be compatible. Animals shall not be housed near animals that interfere with their health or cause them discomfort.

The John Ball Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, (AZA) who have been experiencing a voluminous array of animal deaths.

Read more related AZA stories HERE.

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