March 21, 2013

Mirth Watch Thursday: Why I Want a Hippo

Remember when I wanted a penguin (that I could get a penguin backpack for and take along to the store)? I said it was one of my all-time favorite videos and that I had one other that I was saving for another time. So, here it is - my other favorite animal video: Jessica the Hippo.

Have you ever seen this? It's about a baby hippo in South Africa that washes up during a flood at this former game ranger's house and how she comes to be a member of the family. The video is short and adorable and talks about how she's lived with him and his wife for 7 years.


While I was looking up the short video above that I remembered first seeing years ago, I found there was a whole show about her: "There's a Hippo in My House." It's in three parts that you can watch here: part 1, part 2, and part 3. Each part is 15 minutes. It must have been shot before the short video as it mentions she's lived with them 6 years. Apparently Jessica had moved in before the ranger met his wife. Luckily, the wife took to Jessica immediately, and now gives her nightly massages.

They talk a lot about her diet - she gets dog biscuits and ~40 lbs/day of sweet potatoes (!), and sweet, diluted coffee (!) twice a day - which she loves. A vet tries to get her on the same diet that captive zoo hippos eat, but she doesn't go for it.

There are some really cute/sweet moments (like when she lets herself in to the house and gets up on the bed!), but I gotta warn you that there's something sad in the final part (not about Jessica, but about a potential boyfriend they were trying to line up for her). There's also a really cute part, though, in part 3 where she meets some new pups and the puppy she's "mouthing" is just like "WtH is this thing???" She totally slimes the pup.

There's also some discussion at the end of part 3 about the "controversy" of them living with a wild animal. They believe they saved her, and that sometimes you have to step in and give nature a hand. I can see why some people would see the controversial side of this, but when you watch this couple with Jessica, you can see how much they love her and how happy and content she is with them.

I didn't research what's up with Jessica as of today. It says in the video that hippos can live to be 40, so hopefully she's still happy and enjoying her coffee and biscuits each day.

18 comments:

  1. The dog sleeping with her at the end was probably the cutest part! I'll have to watch the other videos when I am not at work ;-)

    Interesting too because hippos are considered extremely dangerous and aggressive animals. Jessica looks pretty sweet and just wants some snacks!

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    1. Yes, I think it mentions in one of the vid's (or I read somewhere) that hippos are one of the most deadly animals in Africa! But Jessica... she's so sweet! And what a sweet-tooth she has! And yes, her and the dogs together is SO cute. You have to watch the whole thing!

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  2. Oh and of course I had to look for more info on her....as of Jan 2012 she was still with them and when their home flooded, she helped get their boat through the heavy waters.

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    1. Oh, thank you for looking that up. I was afraid to!

      How cute that she helped them! Oh, how I love that hippo!!

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  3. I sat there open-mouthed watching this video. Seeing Jessica saunter into the house was incredible. Thank for you sharing this, Jackie, and I'm going to show my son because he loves hippos. I tell him a story every night before bed, and lately, "Hippy the Hippo" has been the featured main character. The only problem is that he's going to ask for a pet hippo, and our house is too small! :)

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    1. Well, I want a pet hippo now too, so I know how he feels. (Good thing we got the king-sized bed I guess.)

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  4. OMD and the last bit with the bed. LOL cute. Wow that was amazing.
    Have a terrific Thursday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  5. I wrote several years ago about a veterinarian and her husband who had a deer as a house pet. She thought she was a Poodle. When it is the only life they've ever known, it can be a great arrangement. The problem comes when people who aren't equipped for the challenge try to raise a wild animal as a house pet.

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    1. Yes, you are so right - the problems do come when the person doesn't know what they've gotten themselves into. (Like that crazy lady a few years back with the chimp that attacked her friend.)

      Since this guy was a game ranger for years, I think he has a very good understanding of hippos - and he also lives right by some wild hippos, so it's not like they've got her living in an apt. in the city!

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  6. Oh my word. Covered up under that pink blanket ... drinking coffee ... stepping on the dog ... I WANT A HIPPO. Ducks and chickens are no longer enough. I wonder where I can find hippos in Tulsa ...

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    1. I KNOW! The pink blankie kills me! I wonder if hippos are easier to find in Tulsa than they are in San Diego.

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  7. Looks awesome, but you better have a big yard. BOL

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    1. I know... Makes me miss our old house where we had a pool. I hated that pool, but our hippo would love it!

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  8. What a brave and generous pair! Jessica sure looks like a sweetheart.... but a hippo in the house?! OMG!!!

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    1. Can you imagine a hippo just letting herself in and strolling up to your kitchen counters? Talk about counter surfing!

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  9. That is one of the most incredible videos I've watched ever!!! The pink blanket and sleeping beside the pup was toooo cute! Can you just imagine having your friends over and Jessica just comes on in the door?! Wild!!! That is some special relationship they all have and Taryn I'm glad you looked it up too cuz I was scared to know :) Thanks for the great share!

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  10. OMD! Juli wants a hippo now, too. She has made me play the video over and over. I LOVE the pink blankie!

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