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Rescue of days-old hippo calf in Kenya
A newborn hippo, now named Bumpy, was found nudging its deceased mother at a Kenyan lake over the weekend before being rescued and taken to a wildlife sanctuary for hand-rearing.
Circumstances of the mother's death
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reported that the mother hippo likely died from natural causes. However, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust suggested she may have perished in a territorial dispute while protecting her calf, as infanticide is common among hippos.
By the time rescuers arrived, the mother had been dead for over a day, with decomposition already advanced.
Challenging rescue operation
KWS described the rescue as a logistical challenge, as the calf refused to leave its mother's side. Rescuers made the difficult decision to use the decomposing body as an anchor to safely reach the distressed animal.
Bumpy's first days in care
After the rescue, Bumpy spent its first night at a Nairobi nursery, where it was fed milk and wrapped in a blanket for warmth. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust noted that the calf was visibly desperate for comfort, staying close to its keepers ever since.
The following day, Bumpy was airlifted by helicopter to the Kaluku sanctuary near Tsavo East National Park, where it now resides in a pool near the Athi River.
Life at the sanctuary
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust shared that Bumpy spends much of the day in the water, accompanied at all times by a keeper. The sanctuary described the calf as affectionate, often seeking physical contact with its caregivers.
"He is a very snuggly creature and is happiest when nestled on or against someone."
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Bumpy is not alone at the sanctuary-another young hippo, nearly a year old, is also being cared for, though the two are kept in separate areas.
Future plans for Bumpy
Both hippos are expected to be released into the wild once they are fully grown. In the wild, hippo calves typically nurse for up to a year or more and remain closely bonded with their mothers until reaching sexual maturity.
About the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Founded in 1977, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is renowned for its work in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos, successfully reintegrating them into their natural habitats.
