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A baby hippopotamus that survived the tsunami waves on the Kenyan coast has formed a strong bond with a giant male century-old tortoise, in an animal facility in the port city of Mombassa , officials said.
The hippopotamus, nicknamed "Owen" and weighing about 300 kilograms (650 pounds), was swept down Sabaki River into the Indian Ocean, then forced back to shore when tsunami waves struck the Kenyan coast on December 26, before wildlife rangers rescued him.
"It is incredible. A-less-than-a-year-old hippo has adopted a male tortoise, about a century old, and the tortoise seems to be very happy with being a 'mother'," ecologist Paula Kahumbu, who is in charge of Lafarge Park , told AFP.
"After it was swept and lost its mother, the hippo was traumatized. It had to look for something to be a surrogate mother. Fortunately, it landed on the tortoise and established a strong bond. They swim, eat and sleep together," the ecologist added.
"The hippo follows the tortoise exactly the way it follows its mother. If somebody approaches the tortoise, the hippo becomes aggressive, as if protecting its biological mother," Kahumbu added.
"The hippo is a young baby, he was left at a very tender age and by nature, hippos are social animals that like to stay with their mothers for four years," he explained.
This is Rex Barker, reminding you that we can all be friends and nurture others – no matter how different we are from each other.
17 comments:
When I read your charming story I imagined the hippo towering over the tortoise, but, actually, they look almost the right size! Mother will live for years and years too!
Very interesting story and picture, great.
That's so cute!
What a great story, after the awful tragedy surrounding the Tsunami. I like Rinkly was expecting a large animal towering above the turtle.
I think this is an excellent story to tell. It is also a nice picture.
It was not so bad at home. I thought I could sleep but never did. Don't know why. Glad you had fun at your mom's house today with Becky.
What a sweet story. And I love the picture. Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year, friend Patty.
Hugs and blessings,
Renie
The baby Hippo probably attracted to the tortoise at first by his enormous size and the fact he can swim. What a beautiful ending. I am wishing you all a Happy New Year.
Great post. Claps !!!
Nothing great than friendship.
Thanks for the neat post.Loved this! I hope you have a Happy new Year! Bunches of hugs.....
yes mom I had seen this story before....so sweet
Thanks for the encouragement you gave me with your comments and the award for Delhi photo diary. You have no idea how much I get boosted to post after seeing your comments.
Once again Thanks for your visits to my blog through the past year and making it more special with your comments. Hope you continue to visit in the new year as well. :-)
Happy New Year!!!
Such a sweet story.
We could all learn a lesson from nature!
In more than one way.
Dear Patty ~~ First, let me say how very pleased I am that Abe is doing well and I pray that he will continue
to stay well. Your story was a nice one about the hippo. It is hard to believe the damage the tsunami did.
Take good care, my friend.
Much love, Merle.
This is such a great story, Patty! Thanks!
The Corinthian's message holds true - 'love conquers all' Wish we could follow their example.
Wishing you and your better half a beautiful new year in peace, health and joy.
I love this story. It is so very sweet! Thank you for sharing it!
What a wonderful story! And a true one, which makes it even better!
((( HUGS )))
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