An Unlikely Duo: Owen the Hippo and Mzee the Tortoise

In the heart of Kenya, an extraordinary friendship blossomed between two unlikely companions—Owen the baby hippopotamus and Mzee the Aldabra giant tortoise. This heartwarming story is a testament to the power of friendship and the capacity for love in the animal kingdom.

A Struggle for Survival
The story began in 2004 when Owen was separated from his family during a devastating tsunami that struck the Kenyan coast. Most baby hippos stay with their moms for up to four years, but Owen were not even one year old. The young hippo was found struggling and traumatized, far from his natural habitat. Fortunately, he was rescued by local wildlife authorities. People were worried for Owen because other wild hippos would not accept him and therfore they had to find a solution.

A Unique Bond Forms
Enter Mzee, a 130-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise residing at the Haller Park wildlife sanctuary in Mombasa, Kenya. Owen was introduced to Mzee in the hope that the tortoise's slow and steady nature would provide the comfort and companionship the traumatized hippo needed.

A Remarkable Connection
To everyone's astonishment, Owen and Mzee quickly formed a deep and lasting bond. The unlikely duo began spending their days together, with Owen often napping on Mzee's back as they basked in the warm Kenyan sun. Their bond was a testament to the incredible adaptability of animals and the power of companionship to heal wounds.

Growing Up Together
Over the years, Owen and Mzee continued to grow and thrive in each other's company. They became local celebrities, drawing visitors from around the world to witness their unique friendship. The sanctuary staff ensured that the two friends received the care and attention they needed to thrive.

A Lesson in Friendship
The heartwarming story of Owen and Mzee reminds us that friendship knows no boundaries. It transcends age, species, and backgrounds. The unlikely friendship between a young hippo and an elderly tortoise is a testament to the capacity for love and connection in the animal kingdom.

Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories of remarkable animal-human connections in future editions of our newsletter.