Autopsy confirms toy likely caused death of Liberec sea lion

An autopsy has confirmed that the death of Hugo, a valuable male South American sea lion at Liberec Zoo, was most likely caused by a children’s toy. Veterinarians found the head of a doll lodged between the animal’s stomach and small intestine during the autopsy. They found no other possible cause of death.

The zoo said there had been no indication that its health was deteriorating. According to keepers, Hugo had behaved normally, eaten normally and shown no signs of discomfort.

With Hugo’s death, Liberec Zoo has lost its last sea lion. The animals had been kept at the zoo since 1975. In response to the incident the zoo plans to further expand its camera system and increase monitoring of the premises.