Karen Trendler from the Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage commented on an orphaned hippo calf in the Bloemfontein Zoo whose mother was taken away. The zoo staff takes care of the calf. Trendler’s expert knowledge was requested.

Trendler says, like a rhino calf, a young hippo is like a huge baby - specifically when orphaned or separated from its mother.

“They have the same challenges because they are social animals, so they need contact and a mom around,” explains Trendler.

There are many environmental and biological factors that can cause a mother hippo to abandon her calf. “It is not uncommon for a mother to not know what to do with her calf if she is stressed and conditions are not right. This applies to both wild and captive animals,” says Trendler.

Some of the other difficult tasks are catering to its special feeding, water and its social needs. According to Trendler, this means ensuring that it is fed a protein and fat rich mixture of cow’s milk with egg at the right temperature and pace.

“They spend quite a lot of time in water, which keeps their skin soft. If you’re keeping a hippo in captivity you would need to make sure that water quality is one of your priorities,” says Trendler.

Caretakers also need to interact with a calf appropriately to keep the calf from becoming too tame and dependent on humans. “Because they are so strong, if you have encouraged them to sit on the couch when they were young, you will suddenly have a very large hippo breaking down the door to sit on your couch,” explains Trendler.

OFM also spoke to Mzingisi from the Mangaung Metro on the protocol followed at the Bloemfontein Zoo in taking care of the calf. (Report to follow.)

OFM News/Nomaqhawe Mtebele