In a heartening flip of occasions, Hoedspruit’s world-famous hippo Jessica has welcomed a brand new addition to her household, marking a second of hope after a 12 months of sorrow.
The yet-to-be-named calf made its grand entrance on February twenty second. The scene unfolded within the crocodile-dotted waters of the Blyde River, close to the cherished residence of Jessica’s caregiver, Tonie Joubert.
The arrival of the newborn hippo follows a sequence of heartaches, together with the lack of Jessica’s first-born, Luku, on March 17, 2023, and the passing of Joubert’s spouse, Shirley, on the identical night time.
Discovered orphaned and weighing a mere 16kg, Jessica The Hippo stole the hearts of the Joubert household when she was found on the banks of the Blyde River in March 2000. Years later, she was joined by one other resident hippo, Seun.
Jessica has climbed the ranks of world stardom, starring in documentaries, gracing the silver display screen in Leon Schuster’s acclaimed movie, “Mr. Bones,” and even incomes a point out in Karl Pilkington’s adventures within the hit British journey comedy sequence, “An Fool Overseas.”
Among the many Hoedspruit hippo’s well-known quirks is her affinity for rooibos tea, chugging a staggering 20 liters every day. Past her movie star standing lies a touching bond together with her caregivers, the late Shirley Joubert and her game-ranger husband, Tonie.
Based on an article revealed by News24, when Joubert introduced the delivery of Jessica’s calf in February, his elation was tinged with bittersweet recollections of his late spouse, Shirley, who had cared for Jessica for over 20 years.
“Shirley would have been in second heaven if she was round,” quoted the article.
Joubert nonetheless stays rooted in his dedication to Jessica’s well-being, guaranteeing mom and child now have the house to bond away from prying eyes.
He added that what makes Jessica The Hippo well-known, is that she is free.
“I don’t practice Seun and Jessica. What makes them well-known is that they’re free. They go into the Kruger Park however all the time come again residence,” he stated proudly, as per the News24 report.
Picture: Fb / Rina Vermaak.
