'We will never forget the moments we shared': South Korea's oldest hippo dies at 46

"Hasun, thank you for staying by our side for so long. We will cherish and never forget every moment we shared with you. Rest easy now."

The words are part of a tribute posted online for Hasun, South Korea's oldest hippo, who lived at Seoul Grand Park and recently died.

According to Seoul Grand Park, the memorial message was posted on the park's website Thursday. Hasun was born in 1980 and lived for 46 years. Given that hippos have an average lifespan of 40 to 50 years, her death appears to have been due to old age.

In the online tribute, Seoul Grand Park said that despite her advanced age, Hasun had been eating well and staying healthy until her energy suddenly declined. "The veterinary team and keepers stayed by her side and did everything they could," the park said. "Hasun closed her eyes peacefully, without any specific illness, as everyone bid her farewell."

The park also noted that Hasun was one of the founding animals when Seoul Grand Park opened in 1984 and had been a presence there for decades. "For more than 40 years, she was the steadfast elder of the hippo house, leaving us with countless memories and moments of wonder," it said.

A keeper who had cared for Hasun wrote in the tribute that "the void she has left feels as vast and deep as her great body." The keeper added that while other animals would eventually fill that space, "nothing can replace the special mark and memories Hasun left in our hearts."