Grand Rapids, Michigan – On May 16, an antelope named Chopper was killed by a pygmy hippo during a “controlled introduction” at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. According to zoo officials, the animals were supposed to be introduced in order to facilitate their shared coexistence in a habitat at the facility.

In a news release, zoo officials recounted the tragic situation, writing:

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 immediately separated the animals, but Chopper could not be saved. The incident is under investigation.

The zoo staff is grieving Chopper’s loss and they noted that wild animals can behave in unexpected ways:

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.

Rest in peace Chopper.

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