Bumpy’s keepers describe the young hippo as “a very talkative guy who maintains a steady flow of conversation.”
NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan wildlife rescuers brought an orphaned newborn hippopotamus into the care of a sanctuary, and it hasn’t left their side ever since.
Bumpy follows his caregivers everywhere and is often found snuggling up with his new human friends at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
“This little hippopotamus has touched our hearts,” the trust said on its website. “An orphaned hippopotamus landed in our laps – quite literally. After tragically losing his mother, this little guy is now with us and has a wild future to look forward to.”
As a baby, Bumpy was found clinging to his mother, calling for her to respond. Kenya Wildlife Service Veterinary and Capture Bureau rescuers believe she died of natural causes the day before, possibly stemming from a territorial dispute.
“He was clearly unaware of the situation,” the trust said. “He was calling to his mother and touching her with his blunt little nose, desperate for a response.”
The “mini calf” was brought to the trust on May 2 and quickly became attached to its keepers.
The baby hippo, described as “extremely adorable”, is thriving and has captured the team’s hearts.
“Bumpy has become obsessed with his guardians. He follows them like a shadow, purring loudly with every step he takes,” they said. “He is a very talkative person and maintains a steady conversation. For such a young baby, he gets plenty of rest and sleeps best when cuddled next to his keeper.”
The trust describes itself as the world’s most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program, and features the animals in its care and their tragic rescue stories, according to its website.
