Hippo Mojo Blog » Kenya

The Helpful Hippo Mama

Hippo Honcho — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 00:11:49 +0000

Hippo Helps Wildebeest

A hippo mama at the Sanctuary Olonana in the Masai Mara, Kenya, has a new vocation: life guarding. She stunned onlookers last week as they gathered to witness thousands of wildebeest (gnu) cross the Mara River. Thousands of herd animals cross between Kenya and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park yearly in the search for fresh grazing grounds.

A young wildebeest became separated from her mother as the current dragged her downstream. It appeared that she might drown when the kind hippo mama swam to her and pushed her to shore. ‘To everyone’s amazement the hippo came to the gnu’s rescue and pushed it gently to the river bank,’ said head guide Abdul Karim. The baby took a moment to recover her breath and then ran to her waiting–and undoubtedly concerned–mother.

Hippo Helps Wildebeest

As the spectators discussed this amazing incident, a baby zebra also tried the crossing but quickly got into trouble, her head bobbing in the water. Again, the hippo mama swam to her aid and pushed the baby to shore.

Hippo Helps Baby Zebra

It was an unforgettable incident,’ said Karim. ‘Maternal love can be so strong it can even surpass species boundaries,’ he added.

Hippos Marooned in Lake Naivasha

Hippo Honcho — Sun, 17 May 2009 14:04:00 +0000

As water levels in Lake Naivasha are dropping to alarming levels, resident hippos are facing death as they have been marooned from the main lake. Hippos depend on water to hydrate their bodies; without an adequate supply, they die.

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake north west of Nairobi, in Kenya.

Hippo Spa

Hippo Honcho — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:19:41 +0000

Hippos aren’t the only ones to enjoy a relaxing day at the spa. Check out this National Geographic video of fish grooming a hippo in Kenya.