After departing from Dullstroom Inn on the 2nd day, We gave a Jessica the Hippo a visit. Ever fancy of touching, feeding and kissing a hippopotamus? You bet! Actually hippos are one of the most dangerous and fearsome creatures in Africa and there are many cases whereby Hippos attacked and killed people who invade their space. Cases of Hippos killing humans are more than those of Lions, Cheetahs and other carnivorous animals in Africa. High cases are due to misconception of most people that hippos are relatively tame. In fact, no crocodiles dare to mess with any adult hippos.
Here’s a some introduction about the friendly Jessica the Hippo. In the early 2000s, during a huge flood, she was found drifting with injuries by a very kind couple Tonie and Shirley Joubert. Rather than ‘the legal owner’ of Jessica, the Joubert couple has become Jessica’s legal parent. Several years after rasiing of Jessica, they realized that Jessica needs to ‘go out’ socialize and breed among them. However, Jessica will still return to her home daily. AS her home is by the river, Jessica acts as a ‘guard’ against the crocodiles while dipping in the river daily. There were cases when Jessica was away; the dogs were killed by crocodiles.
The visit started with introduction and video session about Jessica by her parents, Tonie and Shirley Joubert.
Next is the feeding session for Jessica. Jessica needs about 80 kilograms of fruits daily and she drinks lots of tea.
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| Tonie demonstrated on how to feed Jessica |
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| Do not try this! Use only your hand to feed her |
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| This is how you feed Jessica, first hold the fruit near to her nose and then slowly pop it into her mouth. Do not be afraid of her, any sudden movement will cause her to think that there is something threatening. |
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| I get to kiss her as well~ She is sooo lovely~lol |
For your information, Jessica is widely famous among animal lovers and she is frequently featured on Animal Planet and National Geographic Channel. Jessica can also be searched on Youtube or do visit her at her official website at http://www.jessicahippo.com/
Wild animals if they are brought up and nurtured by humans will forever remember their good deeds. Unlike some humans...sometimes, it's good for us to ponder on this matter.
Up Next is the main trip to a private game lodge at Tshukudu Game Lodge.
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