Image by Riverbanks ZooImage by 20080716hippo.jpg Sadly, this 35-year-old hippo had to be put down for health issues.

On Tuesday, Columbia's Riverbanks Zoo euthanized Montgomery the hippopotamus. The hippo was suffering from "several chronic medical conditions," according to a press release.

The 35-year-old hippo was born September 17, 1972, at the Memphis Zoo and grew to weigh about 4,200 pounds.

The press release continues to say:
“Just as we celebrate the birth of the new lion cubs and flamingo chicks, we also mourn the death of Montgomery,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Monty held a special place in the hearts of many people throughout the community and he will be sorely missed.”

Montgomery was born at the Memphis Zoo on September 17, 1972, and was one of the original animals that had been at Riverbanks since 1974.

There are two remaining original animals, a flamingo and a white-faced saki monkey.