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Panicked hippo jumps from moving vehicle, injured

A hippo being transported in a truck jumped from the moving vehicle, breaking its leg and a tooth. The hippo's owner faces possible charges.

By Amy R. Connolly
A hippo similar to this one was injured when it jumped from a moving truck in Taiwan. It is expected to recover. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
A hippo similar to this one was injured when it jumped from a moving truck in Taiwan. It is expected to recover. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo

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TAIPEI, Taiwan, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A hippo that was being transported to a zoo in Taiwan is recovering from serious injuries after it jumped from a moving truck. The driver of the truck and the zoo could face fines because the animal is protected by law.

Authorities said A-ho broke loose inside of a freight container and jumped from the vehicle as it was being taken to Sky Zoo in Taichung. The hippo suffered a broken hind leg, broken tooth and numerous cuts and scrapes. The hippo, which weighs more than 4,000 pounds, was injured a second time when a cable maneuvering it snapped.

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The animal will undergo rehabilitation, including aquatherapy for the leg injury. The owner of the hippo faces a fine of up to $2,365 for failure to protect the animal, which is protected under the country's Wildlife Protection Act.

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