Kolkata | January 11, 2026

A four-year-old male hippopotamus at the Alipore Zoological Gardens in Kolkata has lost strength in its legs due to a neurological disorder and is currently undergoing infrared physiotherapy to restore mobility, zoo authorities said on Sunday.

According to officials, the hippo has been confined to water for nearly three weeks after nerve-related complications left it unable to walk. For the past 17 days, the animal has remained mostly submerged, unable to move properly, prompting immediate medical intervention.

Medical Team and Consultation

A special medical board has been constituted by Alipore Zoo authorities to oversee the treatment. The team includes veterinarians from Alipore Zoo, Belgachia State Animal Hospital, and Nandankanan Zoological Park. Veterinarians from Ranchi and Mysuru zoos are also providing expert consultation.

The hippo had been brought to Alipore Zoo from Nandankanan in 2024, and staff initially considered lifting the animal out of the water with a crane for treatment. However, following consultations with veterinary experts, the team decided against this approach, opting instead for physiotherapy to help restore strength in its legs.

Infrared Therapy for Nerve Recovery

The hippo is currently receiving physiotherapy using infrared rays. Veterinarians explained that infrared therapy, a form of electromagnetic radiation treatment, is used to stimulate nerves and activate nervous tissues. It is commonly applied to treat muscle pain, joint issues, and nerve-related conditions in both humans and animals.

“This therapy helps stimulate the nerves and encourages mobility,” an official said, adding that similar treatments have yielded positive results at Alipore Zoo.

Successful Precedents

Infrared therapy has previously been effective in treating nerve disorders in other zoo animals. For instance, a sambar deer that had suddenly lost the ability to walk recovered after about a month of infrared therapy. Several other deer in the zoo’s enclosures have also benefited from this non-invasive treatment.

A member of the medical board said the team is cautiously optimistic. “Efforts are underway to revive the hippo’s nerves through infrared therapy. At this stage, it is difficult to predict how long the treatment will take. However, if the nerves respond, we are hopeful the animal will regain the ability to walk,” the veterinarian added.

Zoo authorities emphasized that the welfare of the hippo remains their top priority and that the treatment plan will continue under close monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome.

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