Program:
Hippos have had a home with us since 1936, when one-year-old Puddles became quite the sensation as the first hippopotamus at the San Diego Zoo. Earlier this year, we welcomed the newest hippo to the river: Lupe, a 24-year-old female, who has joined the bloat (group of hippos) with Funani and her calf, Amahle. In addition to offering this social species new opportunities to thrive, Lupe’s arrival is an important part of long-term hippo conservation.

The river hippos at the Zoo have seen a number of changes over the last few years. In her presentation, Jennifer Chapman will share more about these updates and the conservation strategies behind them, including the introduction of Lupe to the bloat. She will also dive into the individual personalities of the hippos she helps care for and how the three of them are thriving in their dynamic habitat.

Featured Speaker: Jennifer Chapman
Jennifer Chapman is senior wildlife care specialist on the Sun Bear Forest team at the San Diego Zoo, a position she has held since 2010. She is the primary wildlife care specialist for hippos, and her team also cares for okapis and the red pandas at Panda Ridge.

Jennifer graduated in 1998 from Central Washington University, earning a Bachelor's of Science in Biology and a Minor in Psychology. She has since worked with a variety of species as a wildlife care specialist, veterinary technician, and other roles at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, the Phoenix Zoo, Natural Encounters, Inc., and several veterinary practices.