WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - The Sedgwick County Zoo is mourning the loss of its last hippopotamus.

Sweetie Pie, a 53-year-old hippo, died Wednesday after battling health issues related to her age. Zoo staff had been providing specialized care to keep her comfortable, but her health had declined in recent weeks.

Born at the Denver Zoo on Nov. 2, 1971, Sweetie Pie came to Sedgwick County in 1972. A year later, she was joined by Pudgie, who lived at the zoo until her passing in 2023 at age 50.

“Sweetie Pie was beloved by all her keepers and anyone that ever got the chance to meet her,” says Keeper Kayla Jordan. “There’s no better namesake than hers as she was truly the sweetest of girls. Sweetie Pie has touched thousands of lives and we are all better for it. She will be forever missed, but the

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