Male Hippo In Japan Zoo Turns Out To Be Female And The Discovery Took 7 Years

Hippopotamus are some of the most fascinating animals on earth. They are considered among the largest land mammals in the world. Recently, the Osaka Tennoji Zoo in Japan made a surprising revelation about one of its residing hippopotamus, Gen-Chan. The zoo has discovered Gen-Chan to be of a different gender than what was previously assumed by the authorities. It has been found that the long-residing hippopotamus was perceived to be a male for the past seven years, but the zoo authorities have discovered that it is actually a female.

The Osaka Tennoji Zoo revealed the truth about the gender of Gen-Chan on its official website. This hippo was originally brought in from Mexico’s Africam Safari in 2017 at the tender age of 5. The documents that were needed during the time of import also indicated that Gen-Chan was a male. While interacting with the People’s Magazine, the zoo authorities revealed that initially, they were sure about Gen-Chan’s masculinity, but gradually, the zookeepers started growing suspicious over it.

They also revealed that Gen-Chan failed to exhibit typical male-hippo behaviours like jaw-to-jaw sparring and territorial displays when in water, which made them question more about its gender identity. The authorities found it difficult to find out the visual confirmation of Hippo’s reproductive organs.

With their doubts creeped in, the zoo authorities decided to conduct a DNA test on Gen-Chan. After the test, they discovered it to be a female hippopotamus. In response to the twist, the zoo authorities, while speaking to People’s Magazine, said, “Based on the DNA test result, we recognised the importance of reconfirming the sex of introduced animals and will take precautions to ensure this does not happen again.”

They also emphasised on the point of double-checking such minute details and said that they would continue to put in efforts to provide a comfortable and safe environment for Gen-Chan. They also urged the visitors to continue enjoying and observing Gen-Chan’s presence at the zoo.