El Salvador outraged by brutal killing of hippo Gustavito
Investigation launched after beloved animal was attacked with metal bars, knives and rocks
El Salvador has been left in shock after the brutal death of its cherished hippopotamus Gustavito at the country's national zoo.
The hippo was apparently attacked with metal bars, knives and rocks last Tuesday. However, his keepers didn't discover the bruises and open puncture wounds until several days later as Gustavito had refused to come out of his pool.
Despite treatment, the 15-year-old hippo died on Sunday. An investigation has officially been launched into the incident.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Mourners took to social media to express their sadness, while flowers were left at the gate of the zoo, which remains closed until further notice.
"We're used to seeing the dead every day," said a street vendor in the capital San Salvador. "They kill us like flies, but this tops it all. They killed an animal that only entertained us."
Culture minister Silvia Regalado said she "deeply and profoundly" regretted the situation, while the head of El Salvador's Zoological Foundation, Mauricio Velasquez, said: "We find it difficult to believe that someone is capable of doing that to a defenceless animal."
El Salvador recorded 5,278 homicides last year, with an average of 14 killings a day due to powerful street gangs.
"The country is one of the most violent on the planet, but the brutal killing has shocked a population numbed by years of gang violence," says Sky News.
Gustavito was born and raised in Guatemala, before he came to El Salvador 13 years ago, says The Independent.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'Another day of chaos in DC'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Puffed rice and yoga: inside the collapsed tunnel where Indian workers await rescue
Speed Read Workers trapped in collapsed tunnel are suffering from dysentery and anxiety over their rescue
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Gaza hospital blast: What the video evidence shows about who's to blame
Speed Read Nobody wants to take responsibility for the deadly explosion in the courtyard of Gaza's al-Ahli Hospital. Roll the tape.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Giraffe poo seized after woman wanted to use it to make a necklace
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Helicopter sound arouses crocodiles
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Woman sues Disney over 'injurious wedgie'
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Emotional support alligator turned away from baseball stadium
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Europe's oldest shoes found in Spanish caves
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Artworks stolen by Nazis returned to heirs of cabaret performer
It wasn't all bad Good news stories from the past seven days
By The Week Staff Published