Cuter than your kids or grandkids?
While not cuter than my granddaughter Rosie, I have to admit, “Bumpy” is a very close second!
On May 2 Kenya Wildlife Service Vet and Capture team received reports of an infant orphaned hippo in Naivasha. They arrived to find a pint-sized calf nestled beside his mother’s lifeless body. He was found calling out to his mother and nudging her with his blunt little nose, desperately hoping for a response. The vets believe that she died of natural causes, likely in a territorial fight. It is very possible that she died protecting her calf, as infanticide is common in hippo society.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, supported by the Infinite Safari Foundation, took over Bumpy’s care. Bumpy spent his first night at the Nairobi Nursery, where he was fed a warm bottle of milk and swaddled in a cherry red blanket. Keeper Simon put his mattress on the ground and the tiny hippo nestled by his side. After his terrible ordeal, he finally felt at peace and slept soundly in the crook of Simon’s arm.
He was clearly desperate for comfort and connection and has remained glued to his Keepers from that moment onwards. Bumpy loves to nap in the shade on his mattress, as long as there is a Keepers’ lap to rest his head in! He is a very snuggly creature and is happiest when nestled on or against someone.
And cute does not begin to describe Bumpy! Thank you Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for the great work that you do!
