Biology: Hippo and Tortoise

This is the story of a hippopotamus named Owen and a giant tortoise named Mzee.

Just before Christmas the unseasonably heavy rains near Malindi, Kenya washed a family of hippopotamuses down the near by Sabaki River and out to sea. The residents of the town tried in vain to urge the family back up the estuary. When a Tsunami hit Malindi the hippos disappeared and were forgotten as all efforts went to rescuing the stranded fishermen.

The next day only a stranded baby hippo could be seen.With ropes, boats, nets and cars the hippo was captured and provided a home by Lafarge Eco Systems. The hippo was named 'Owen' in honor of the volunteer who tackled him to the ground. Exhausted, confused and extremely frightened, Owen immediately ran to the safety of a giant tortoise when we released him in Haller Park.

The tortoise, named Mzee, was 130 years old. Mzee quickly came to terms with his new friend and even returned signs of affection. The unusual relationship between this baby hippo and the ancient tortoise amazed people the world over and has featured in most countries on television and in news papers.

Owen will eventually be moved to a bigger pond in Haller Park were he can socialize with other hippos.

Sources: npr.org