Hoedspruit’s hippo Jessica a proud mum
HOEDSPRUIT - In a heartening turn of events, the world-famous hippo Jessica has welcomed a new addition to her family, marking a moment of hope after a year of sorrow.
The yet-to-be-named calf made its grand entrance on February 22. The scene unfolded in the crocodile-dotted waters of the Blyde River, near the cherished home of Jessica’s caregiver, Tonie Joubert.
The arrival of the baby hippo follows a series of heartaches, including the loss of Jessica’s first-born,
Luku, on March 17,
2023, and the passing of Joubert’s wife,
Shirley, on the same night.
Orphaned and weighing a mere
16kg, Jessica the hippo stole the hearts of the Joubert family when she was discovered on the banks of the Blyde River in March 2000. Years later, she was joined by another resident hippo, Seun.
Jessica has climbed the ranks of global stardom, starring in documentaries, gracing the silver screen in Leon Schuster’s acclaimed film Mr Bones, and even making an appearance in Karl Pilkington’s adventures in the second season of the hit British travel comedy series, An Idiot Abroad.
Among the Hoedspruit hippo’s famous quirks is her affinity for rooibos tea, chugging a staggering 20 litres daily. Beyond her celebrity status lies a touching bond with her caregivers, the late Shirley and her game ranger husband, Tonie.
According to an article published by News24, when Tonie announced the birth of Jessica’s calf in February, his elation was tinged with bittersweet memories of his late wife, who had cared for Jessica for over two decades. “Shirley would have been in second heaven if she was around,” quoted the article.
Tonie still remains rooted in his commitment to Jessica’s well-being, ensuring mother and baby now have the space to bond away from prying eyes. “I don’t train Seun and Jessica. What makes them famous is that they are free. They go into the Kruger Park, but always come back home,” he proudly told News24.
• Maintain a safe distance from the snake.
• If possible, take a photograph for identification purposes.
• Contact a professional snake catcher or your security company for assistance.
• Keep visual contact with the snake,
Furthermore, Dr Nicola Colborne of West Acres Animal Hospital provides essential advice for pet owners:
• Promptly investigate if your pet exhibits unusual behaviour such as barking.
• In the event of a snake encounter, call your pet to safety and seek veterinary assistance immediately if a bite occurs or is suspected.
• Familiarise yourself with common symptoms of snakebites, including while waiting for help to arrive.
Hobkirk emphasises the importance of not attempting to capture the snake independently, as it takes trained professionals 10 to 15 minutes to respond to calls for assistance, minimising the risk of snakebites.
swelling, discoloration of the mouth, difficulty breathing, drowsiness or bleeding.
• Prepare for emergencies by saving your veterinarian’s contact information and consider obtaining pet insurance to cover the cost of antivenom, which can be expensive.