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If you're looking for an epic and truly unique animal encounter, then you've come to the right place! We found Jessica the Hippo by accident, and couldn't be happier. 

Hippos are known to be the most vicious animals in the world, but here is a true exception. No, it's not a zoo, and no, it's not a "sanctuary". It's something truly extroadinary, and we're so excited to share it with you.

Jessica the hippo lives in the wild, but has a special bond with humans. She has a special story, and now tourists can go and visit her for the most heartwarming experience of a lifetime.

Jessica the Hippo: The Heartwarming Story

Jessica has a truly unique story, and is probably the only hippo in the world that has been cared for by humans and also lives somewhat in the wild.

In 2000 there were devastating floods in Mozambique and South Africa, leading a baby hippo downstream, and separatin her from her mom. Tonie, an ex ranger found Jessica with her ambilical cord still attached, and dedicated his time to saving her. 

Jessica grew up in Tonie's house, and he and his wife took care of her as a child. She even would sleep in the house tucked in with blankets. They fed her and nurtured her, but also left her free in the river to roam freely, and she would always come back, essentially turning into part of the family.

Now Jessica is 24 years old, and she truly has a special bond with humans that you can't find elsewhere. Although she can't fit in the door anymore, she still spends a lot of time in front of the house, and now visitor's can come to share the special experience.

Seun the Hippo

What are the odds that fate would bring another baby hippo on Tonie's doorstep years later? In January 2012 Seun showed up from the very same scenario that Jessica did. Of course, Tonie took him in, and he has been raised with Jessica for the last 12 years.

Loekoe (Luku)

14 years ago the media had speculations about Jessica getting pregnant (after all, she does interact with other hippos nearby!). Oddly enough, it wasn't happening, and they assumed that Jessica would not have a baby.

But just 2 years ago in 2022, Jessica became pregnant! Just two days after birth Tonie's wife died, and shortly after Jessica's baby also died.

Last year though, Jessica became pregnant again, and gave birth to baby Luku in February 2024. We were so lucky to be able to see him at just 4 1/2 months old! While he is too young at the moment for a human-animal encounter, you'll be able to witness him swimming by his mom and simply being adorable.

Jessica the Hippo Animal Encounter

Now that you know where to find this unique animal encounter, it's time to share all of the fun details for what your experience will be like with Jessica the hippo!

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

As soon as you enter the property you'll find a gate for the waiting area. There is seating to wait, and you'll already be able to have views of the river where Jessica, Seun, and Loekoe might be hanging around.

The tour begins on the hour, or you may have to wait just a few minutes if there is a big party missing (which is what happened for us).

📺 Jessica the Hippo Animal Encounter Intro

The first 20 minutes will begin with a 15-minute video followed by a 5-minute briefing.

The video is a short documentary about Jessica, which really gives you a good insight to her history, behaviour, and lifestyle. It truly is a heartwarming story, and an entertaining video to watch.

Once the video finishes, Tonie explains the rest of the animal encounter, and how to properly interact with Jessica and Seun.

🦛 Jessica the Hippo Animal Encounter

After the briefing everyone will go down to the raft, which is located just down the stairs from the seating area.

Each person will be given 4 pieces of sweet potato to feed Jessica, and each person will go one after the other. 

After feeding Jessica her veggies, you'll then feed her her bottle of tea. First, she'll actually come up onto the raft! You can expect a lot of water to come up onto the raft, and to be ankle-deep in water. After all, she weighs about 2 tons!

Each person will line up to feed Jessica her tea. As she continues to drink, you'll have to move fast so she doesn't finish it on you! She drinks two full bottles, so Tonie will guide each person on how much they should be feeding her.

Once Jessica is done eating and drinking, it will be Seun's turn! Seun was actually patiently waiting on the other side of the raft. We suspect he is so familiar with the process that this must happen quite often! Please remember not to touch Seun while he is waiting there, and to wait for Tonie's instructions.

After Seun is finished, he'll most likely swim away. We spent a few minutes after simply watching him, and taking some pictures and videos.

Meanwhile, Jessica and her baby were already knocking on the door of the house and making themselves at home.

After this absolutely incredible animal encounter, we all had the opoortunity to purchase a hat, make an extra donation, or simply pay for our tickets.

Tonie was so kind to allow us to go see his home, as well as to continue watching the three hippos walk around the backyard, drinking water, and taking a little nap. Honestly they were so cute and gentle, and the entire animal encounter was one that I'll never forget. (I also took about 1,000 pictures).

An Even More Unique Animal Encounter: Staying Overnight with Jessica the Hippo

For those looking for an even more special animal encounter, you can now actually stay at Tonie's home in a private room! The room is beautiful and spacious, perfect for a night out in nature.

You'll be able to enjoy a full night at Jessica's home for a traditional South African Braai, and you'll get to experience all of the hippos in their natural element roaming the property, swimming, and even waiting by the door to cuddle up at night.