A days-old baby hippo, affectionately named Bumpy, is now under the dedicated care of keepers at a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya after being found orphaned and desperately nudging its deceased mother. The rescue, which occurred over the weekend, was a joint effort by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, aiming to provide specialized care for the vulnerable calf until it can be released back into the wild.
A Difficult Rescue Mission
The discovery of the orphaned calf occurred at a lake in Kenya where it was found clinging to its mother, who had already been deceased for at least a day. KWS described the rescue as a significant logistical challenge. Due to the mother’s advanced state of decomposition, her body had to be used as an anchor to safely reach and retrieve the calf from the water.
The exact cause of the mother hippo’s death remains uncertain, with KWS suggesting natural causes as a possibility. However, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust noted that territorial fights and infanticide are common in hippo society, raising the possibility that the mother may have died protecting her young.
Bumpy’s Journey to Safety
Following its dramatic rescue, the distressed calf spent its first night at a nursery in Nairobi. There, keepers provided essential care, including milk feedings and swaddling the young hippo in a blanket. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust reported that Bumpy exhibited a strong need for comfort and connection, becoming closely bonded with his caregivers.
To ensure Bumpy received the best long-term care and the environment best suited for his rehabilitation, he was later transported by helicopter to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Kaluku sanctuary. This sanctuary is located near Tsavo East National Park, offering a more expansive setting for his recovery.
Life at the Sanctuary
At the Kaluku sanctuary, Bumpy is being cared for near a pool by the Athi River. Keepers are providing constant companionship, staying with him throughout the day, whether he is in the water or on land. The sanctuary describes Bumpy as a “very snuggly creature” who thrives on physical closeness and affection, often resting against his keepers.
Bumpy is not the first young hippo to be cared for at Kaluku. He joins another hippo calf, nearly a year old, though they are being housed separately for now. Both calves are being raised with the ultimate goal of being released into the wild to integrate with established hippo populations.
Understanding Hippo Calf Development
Wildlife experts emphasize the critical role of maternal care in the development of young hippos. In their natural habitat, hippo calves typically nurse for a year or more. They remain highly dependent on their mothers for several years, often until they reach sexual maturity.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, founded in 1977, has a well-established reputation for its successful rescue and rehabilitation programs, particularly for orphaned elephants and rhinos. Their expertise in hand-rearing vulnerable wildlife and reintegrating them into the wild provides a hopeful future for Bumpy.
Looking Ahead
Bumpy’s story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife in Kenya, including the threats of habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and natural mortality. The dedicated efforts of organizations like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and KWS are crucial in mitigating these challenges and ensuring the survival of endangered and vulnerable species.
The success of Bumpy’s rehabilitation will be closely watched, serving as a testament to the effectiveness of specialized wildlife care and the potential for orphaned animals to return to a natural life. Observers will be keen to see how Bumpy integrates with other hippos and progresses towards his eventual release.
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