What makes Jessica so special is the fact that she has developed a close bond with humans, which is unusual for a wild animal. Her story began in 2000 during devastating floods in Mozambique and South Africa. While a human drama was unfolding in Mozambique, another mother hippo lost her daughter as the floods swept her downstream.
People often say history repeats itself, but nobody expected what happened on January 18th, 2012.
After similar weather conditions (a heavy storm and a flash flood) another hippo washed up at the doorstep of Tonie's place.
In February 2024, Jessica gave birth to a little boy named after Tonie's father-in-law Loekoe (pronounced LUKU).
Luku still follows his mother arround, both to Tonie's and he is curious about tourists who come. But you also see him wandering around on his own. Completely safe and calm behavior, just like his mother Jessica - quite unique to witness.
