The Care-taker's Diary
H is for Hippopotamus
December 18, 2007

Hippopotamus Amphibius

The Hippos, like all big mammals in Haller Park are all rescue cases (orphans, mistreated, victims of mishap, etc): we don't go out and catch wild animals to enclose them like in a zoo. Our hippos play an important role in the Haller Park aquatic ecosystem; as they stir up sediments at bottom of the ponds and release trapped gas as they move around. This helps us keep the water healthy.

Hippos move easily in water, they walk or jump on the ground. They are well-adapted to their aquatic life, with small ears, eyes and nostrils set at the top of the head. By closing its ears and nostrils, the adult can stay under water for as long as six minutes.

 

Sally and Potty at the Game Sanctuary in Haller ParkSally and Potty at the Game Sanctuary in Haller Park

In their natural habitats hippos spend the day resting in the water or sunbathing on the shore. At night they come out to graze. They can move considerable distances to their grazing grounds, and climb steep banks. At Haller Park they also come out of the water every day at 4pm, when they are fed some concentrate food goodies. Well informed visitors time their visit to see Hippo feeding at 4pm, and take some nice close-up shots!

 

Owen n' Cleo cooling off last weekOwen n' Cleo cooling off last week

Sally - The first hippo to be brought was Sally, rescued as an orphan by the Leakey family in 1970 from Lake Baringo. She lived alone at the nature trail until 1986 when she was joined by Potty. When she was alone she used to escape a lot. But since Potty joined her, she didn't need to go out any more to look for company and attention outside, and the escapades have stopped.

Potty - It is not known where Potty originally came from. He was in a mobile circus in Germany when he was confiscated by German authorities as he was not kept well. Potty is currently between 30-35 years old. He was small for a hippo bull when he arrived, with a big head and a small body. Now he is a huge, massive bull. Potty and Sally are virtually inseparable. Although they mate, Sally and Potty have never produced any offspring.

Cleopatra say Cheese!!

Cleopatra say Cheese!!

Cleopatra also an orphan rescued by the Leakey family from Lake Baringo and kept as a pet until she became too large and strong to handle. Cleo was brought to Haller Park when she was 3-4 years old, and was bottle-fed until she was 6. Currently she is around 16 years. She has lived alone for many years. We never dared to introduce her to Sally and Potty, as she would have been likely to be injured or killed by Sally - hippos are very territorial, and their social groups are highly exclusive.

Owen - you all know the story of Owen, his stint with Mzee tortoise as surrogate parent, until his introduction to Cleo and their 'lived happily ever after' status as now!

A Blast from the past

A Blast from the past

The editorial team wishes all the bloggers Happy Holidays. We take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. Thank You and Merry Christmas to you all and a new year full of blessings.


Comments
beste Kasino online
Hippos also bask on the shoreline and secrete an oily red substance, which gave rise to the myth that they sweat blood. The liquid is actually a skin moistener and sunblock that may also provide protection against germs.Hippos once had a broader distribution but now live in eastern central and southern sub-Saharan Africa, where their populations are in decline. beste Kasino online

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Hippos also bask on the shoreline and secrete an oily red substance, which gave rise to the myth that they sweat blood. The liquid is actually a skin moistener and sunblock that may also provide protection against germs.Hippos once had a broader distribution but now live in eastern central and southern sub-Saharan Africa, where their populations are in decline. beste Kasino online

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I do not know very much about Jason.But when I read this article then I came to know more about Jason.I think he lived his life like legend.When he was young he had doing a lot of struggle .Now he was die but always be remember for his work,morals. I think jason was gift of god,which in everyone's heart. Online Kasino Verzeichnis http://www.casino-rating.de/

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I do not know very much about Jason.But when I read this article then I came to know more about Jason.I think he lived his life like legend.When he was young he had doing a lot of struggle .Now he was die but always be remember for his work,morals. I think jason was gift of god,which in everyone's heart. Online Kasino Verzeichnis http://www.casino-rating.de/

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This was a great interview to listen to. Ecotourism has become so important to me. I always make sure to plan eco-friendly trips with my kids, so that they understand that everywhere they go, they affect the environment. Great pic by the way!

rachel turner
i was in mrs.aldermans class and we read all of the books of owen and mzee and seen that the turtle had a hippo on his rear end

Anna from Vermont
I read the book, and liked it very much! I'm recammending it to my friends! They're COOL!!!

Portia from Las Vegas, NV
I read the book on Owen & Mzee. It is so heart touching. I hope others would follow their example.

terr gert
i never knew such animals could be such friends. owen and mzee really touch my heart!

Hippolover
I love hippos so much that Owen + Mzee are my history fair project! HIPPOS ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jamie from Arizona, USA
I've used Owen & Mzee in my foster parent training for 3 years now. Very impactful for future trainers. Thank you Haller Park!

Jamie from Arizona, USA
I've used Owen & Mzee in my foster parent training for 3 years now. Very impactful for future trainers. Thank you Haller Park!

Macy from IL USA
I love Owen and Mzee!

Rosalynd from Massachusetts
TV SHOW***** This coming Sunday, 1/20, National Geographic channel is having some sort of a hippo special. Just caught the end of commercial ... will try to learn more. (Apparently a man dresses up as a hippo and spends the night with a pod!) Sounds like great fun, in a semi-dangerous way!

jackie from switzerland
Hi Elizabeth - it is so nice that you got a hippo and tortoise charm bracelet! Do you know about the "stuffed animal" Owen and Mzees? I don't know if they are still available but have a look on Amazon.com....I'm sure your class will enjoy the story of Owen and Mzee - there's lots of other interesting stuff on the LaFarge site as well. Enjoy your bracelet and happy new year!

Elizabeth from Maryland, USA
When I first got the Owen and Mzee book for Christmas. I was really excited. I've always loved hippos (I'm 8 years old). The pictures were so cute. I love this web site. I'm thinking about bringing my book into my class for my teacher to read. I got a charm bracelet as well for Christmas with a hippo and tortoise.

HippoFriendNYC
New York sends its hope to Stephen, Paula and the rest of Haller Parks employees. The world knows Kenya is a great country and will get through these rough times.

EMILY AURORA NC USA
I LOVED THE BOOK MY TEACHER READ TO MY CLASS

emily aurora nc usa
i loved the my teacher read to my class

jackie from switzerland
every time i look at the site, i can't help but stare at the fantastic picture of sally and potty. that beautifully symetrical body wrinkle is too cute for words.

FRED ANDERSON SCHOOL - NC
I WANT TO SAY HAPPY NEW YEAR

SHIANE - BAYBORO NC USA
OWEN AND MZEE LOOKED REAL CUTE TOGETHER.

Shian NC USA
I LIKED YOUR PICTURES.

Devon NC USA
Owen is really cool.

Lisa from CA
Take care in Kenya; many people from around the world are thinking of you and wishing for peace.

jackie from switzerland
after waiting until almost the last minute i've decided to postpone my trip to Haller Park due to the unpredictable state of things in Kenya. Although I am sad to postpone, I am especially sad for the thousands of displaced people so affected by the turmoil. I wish for a very speedy coming to senses of the parties involved, and send my love to everyone at Haller Park - my dream to visit you will eventually come true.

Lesley in South Africa
Good fortune to all animal sanctuaries! And I do so hope that Kenya's problems will be solved speedily and permanently, it's so very sad. The beginning of years so often has disasters imo, I wish that'd stop too.

David from Paris, Europe
It is a relief to know Haller Park in safe. I have seen the situation is going better in Kenya, may they find an agreement... Thank you Rosalynd for letting us know about Jim... Again, have a nice trip Jackie...

Angela from Rogersville, MO USA
I'm glad to see Haller Park and the very dedicated staff are so far okay. I'm saddened by the unrest in Kenya right now. It's obviously a beautiful country and I hope that everything will be okay sooner rather that later. Thank you for the update. It is as always appreciated. Godspeed and be safe everyone.

Lisa from Boston, MA, USA
wow - Potty is HUGE! I guess I knew hippos were big, but even compared to Sally - he looks gigantic! Very cool photos - all of them, looking very refreshing. It's actually nice to learn so much about hippos, and these hippos in particular, and to see Owen in the water with his new friend. Glad to hear you are all safe too, why can't more of the world live in harmony like animals in Haller Park? Oh well... Happy New Year all! Lisa

Sue from Michigan USA
Hoping for a kind and peaceful new year for all. Your gift to us of sharing your lives at Haller Park is much appreciated. Many many thanks!

Stacey from NY
SO glad to hear JIm is doing well and the folks at the park are safe and well....I was worried, too!!!!

Rosalynd from Massachusetts
Is there anything at all we can do to help?

Daria from Boston, MA
Whew! Thanks for letting us know. Glad to hear you are all ok!

Editorial Team
We thank you all for your concerns and great care. We are all fine.

Regina/NYC
the unrest in Kenya at the moment has me concerned about Haller Park are you all ok?

Lisa from CA
Thank you for your wonderful update! I enjoyed learning more about Sally, Potty and Cleo. What a wonderful animal sanctuary!

Rosalynd from Massachusetts
Jim update - good news! He's fine and just has had some modem/weather problems. I spoke to him by phone today and he said he hopes to be back online very soon. Good work, Jackie from Switzerland. Jim says you are "very resourceful!" (Which is true!)

Rosalynd from Massachusetts
Jackie - I'm just sending you an email. (I did have an address for Jim - a PO Box - and I sent him a note yesterday. If you have a phone number, I'd be happy to call too.) Agreed on Kenya - please, Haller friends - let us know if YOU'RE okay!

jackie from switzerland
rosalynd - you can email me, and i'll give you jim's MA details. i too am concerned. jyzenner@bluemail.ch. I am also deeply concerned about the violence breaking out all over kenya at the moment - for ALL the people there as well as our friends. david I am following the updates from the Département fédéral des affaires étrangères. will keep you posted. Sabine - how are you??! What a way to start the new year :-(

Rosalynd from Massachusetts
P.S. I am also officially worried about Jim now -- hoping he's just travelling and is perfectly okay. Or maybe his computer is down? (I am in Massachusetts - does anyone have any contact info for him on hand? I emailed him a while ago but have not heard anything. Jim, if you're reading this, please let us hear from you! You are missed ... a lot, and we're worried!)

Rosalynd from Massachusetts
David - orf course, you're right. It's been 3 years. Jackie - I'm sure we will be so eagerly looking forward to hearing about your trip - won't you please blow kisses to Owen and Cleo for me/us ... you may be able to pet Mzee personally .... lucky, lucky you. Please take many picture and please give HUGE HUGS to all of our dear, dear human Haller friends ... especially Sabine and Stephen!

David from Paris, Europe
Happy New Year to all, fellow bloggers and Haller Park staff. May 2008 gives you Health and Happiness... Rosalynd : I think we have passed the 3rd Anniversary... Jackie : Have a nice trip to Haller Park, I hope you will tell us many things... It is worrying about Jim, it is not like him to do not post any comment, I hope he is OK...

Lesley
Just popped in to let you know that there's a whole lot of white space at the top of the blog with i characters displaying at the far left. It gives the appearance of the blog not existing. Must be a bug in the code somewhere.

jackie from switzerland
Jim, please write a line and let us know you are ok?

Rosalynd from Massachusetts
Jackie - tell us more! And no, I haven't heard from Jim and I'm a little bit concerned. Have you heard from him?

jackie from switzerland
to all my dear fellow bloggers, wishing you a HEALTHY 2008, that's all that really counts. rosalynd, have you heard from jim lately? susan from canada- your story is touching and I hope that 2008 will be a good year for you and your family. dear sabine - I will see you in 2 weeks!! I just got back from KhaoLak in Thailand and saw, even 2 years after the tsunami, the absolute devastation it caused. the people are still (and will be for a long time) rebuilding their homes, their lives. they have lost so much! this blog, all the animals at haller park, the editorial team - sabine, stephen, fellow bloggers, you are such rays of sunshine in my life!

Susan from Canada
Owen and Mzee's story is very special to me. My husband had just been diagnosed with a rare and difficult to treat cancer when we heard about the tsunami and it gave us a different perspective on our problems. Then the story of Owen and Mzee came along and I clung to this story of hope and new beginnings in the midst of our own personal upheaval. I am a teacher and I have shared Owen's story with many students and it is wonderful to see how interested and inspired they are by Owen's great adventure. Thank you, Stephen and everyone at Haller Park for taking care of animals in distress and for sharing your stories with the world. My family is doing well now and Owen and Mzee helped me stay positive when things seemed very black. Have a happy and healthy new year!

Rosalynd from Massachusetts
A BITTERSWEET ANNVERSARY -- just remembered that we have just passed the 2-year anniversary of the tsunami that took so many lives ... including all of Owen's birth family and pod members. I took a minute this AM to thank God for the lives of the people who survived and, of course, for Owen. Owen - who is living proof that even the worst, most horrible events can have a silver lining. God bless him, and all his Haller friends!

Jennifer from Northern California
I echo everyones sentiments. I miss the interplay between Owen and Mzee but I know it is best that he be with Cleo... If possible can we see some more pics of Mzee?? I am so interested in these animals and follow them as if they were my own.. I love them and thanks for keeping the blog and pics going. Look forward to more in 2008!

jackie from switzerland
so happy with this entry and the good comfortable news in knowing that they are all so happy now. loved hearing about their beginnings. thanks for keeping the diary...just have to ditto what my fellow bloggers have written. wishing all of you a healthy 2008.

Rosalynd from Massachusetts
Everyone else said it so perfectly - great photos! WoW! Thanks so much. Merry Christmas to you all, and God bless you!

George
HAPPY HIPPO HOLIDAYS to everyone! Thank you Sabine, Stephen, et al for continuing this wonderful blog! Fantastic update and background on all our favorite hippos!

Rozy
I'm so glad your team is continuing this wonderful blog. Thank you for bringing Haller Park and its animals' stories to us in pictures and words.

Bon from China
The hippos are so big!!

Cheryl from Canada
Did you notice the cheeky monkey with Sally and Potty? It was fun to see the old picture of Owen with Mzee but I am very happy that Owen and Cleo have each other now. I think if you could ask them, they would say they are very happy too. Thank you so much for continuing these wonderful updates! Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all!

Bill from Chicago
thanks for the interesting background info. I can only imagine how Potty suffered with the circus to cause such abnormal growth. Nice to know there are people and places like yours to help these creatures

NYC Owen & Mzee Fan
P.S. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & Happy Holidays to all of you at Haller Park.

NYC Owen & Mzee Fan
Wow -- fantastic focus on hippos this week! I love it. Great photos. Just in time for Christmas. Thank you!

Kelly
Thank you! This was a really great post! Thank you so much for continuing with the blog.

Cathy in Washington
It was great to hear abou tall of the hippos. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Dianne
This is the best Christmas present yet! Thank You!!

Mary, CA USA
How nice to see them all out and about!

Kim - Alexander NY
Thank you so much for the wonderful update and info on all the Hippos and where they came from (we of course knew about Owen - but nice to know full stories of others) - Happy Holidays to all!!!

Daria from Boston, MA
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Such lovely photos - and did you get a look at that gorgeous Cleo!! Such a beauty! It's wonderful to see all our hippo friends again. Thank you for this early holiday gift and best wishes to all of you at Haller Park - and my fellow bloggers - for the happiest of holidays!

Christine, md
What an amazing gift! Thank you not only for the updates, but for the beautiful pics! Perhaps Own will come out of the water long enough next year for a photo op! Happy holidays to all of you at Haller Park and thank you so much for keeping the blof alive!

David from Paris, Europe
Wow, very good surprise ! The pictures are so cute. The Cleo's pic is so adorable. She is in a manger, that reminds me the Nativity scene... Thank so much to the "Editorial Team" for this great update, and Happy Holidays to all !

Tonia - SC, USA
What a wonderful early Christmas present it was to receive this blog entry!! The hippos are adorable, and I am pleased to hear that Owen and Cleo are doing well. I wish everyone at Haller Park a very Merry Christmas, and I thank you so very, very much for continuing the blog!

 
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Stephen Tuei is the chief animal caretaker for Lafarge Eco Systems and has over 20 years of experience in handling wild animals.