When the 2004 tsunami hit, a baby hippo was separated from his family in Kenya. The orphan found a home in Haller park a sanctuary in Mombasa. In the beginning, to help him adjust, Owen was housed with a 130-year-old Aldabra tortoise called Mzee.
The tortoise did not respond initially but with Owen’s repeated nuzzling, he warmed up. The two slept together, ate together and appeared to cuddle up! The tortoise taught the hippo to eat cut leaves and carrots, so it became easy for the keepers to look after Owen.
The pair inspired a website and children’s books, but eventually Owen was introduced to a female hippo and Mzee got a new tortoise companion of his own.
Picture Credit : Google