Hippos Settle Into New Home with Help of Lift Truck
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Earlier this year the Philadelphia Zoo had a very large task at hand - to move a 4,500 pound hippopotamus named Cindy (pictured above) and her roommate Unna to a new home. They had lived in their old exhibit for 20 years and were ready for a new home within the zoo grounds. Although the hippos only moved a short distance, the process to transport them was the same as if they moved across the country.
Cindy and Unna were transported in a large crate measuring 15' long, 5' wide and 7' high. The zoo keepers began the process by using positive reinforcement to train the hippos to step into the crate. Once the hippos were inside and comfortable in the moving container (pictured above), a large capacity Toyota forklift transferred them to their new home. The new exhibit features a large outdoor area and pool where the hippos can swim and fully submerge.
United Rentals, the largest equipment rental company in the world, supplied the Toyota lift truck used to move the hippopotamuses. Toyota is the number one selling lift truck brand in the U.S. since 2002.
Fast Fact: Did you know the hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive creatures in the world and is often regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa?
To watch the move from start to finish, please visit http://youtu.be/tVSq2gNE_Yw.
