I had read about Jessica and had always wanted to visit her,
something I never thought would actually happen. But my dream became a reality when
I had the pleasure of going to visit her at her home in Hoedspruit, Limpopo
this morning. Without sounding too cliché about it, I can safely say it is an
experience that amazed me and will stay with me always.
Jessica was found washed up by the floods just outside the
home of Tonie and Shirley Joubert on the banks of the Blyde River. When it
became evident that the little calf needed help, Tonie picked her up and was startled
to find her umbilical cord still attached, confirming his suspicions that she
was only a few hours old. Deciding that she needed milk desperately but at the
same time understanding that they couldn’t feed the baby normal milk, Tonie
used his expertise and knowledge as a game ranger to produce a substitute to
the milk that she would have been provided by her mother. Tonie and Shirley instantly
formed a bond with the animal and decided to name her Jessica. Tonie told me
that they soon began to see Jessica as their child and have loved her ever
since the moment they found her.
In my short time with Jessica, I was able to stroke her,
feed her (sweet potatoes, sweetcorn and sweet Rooibos tea –she likes sweet
things!), massage her with my feet while she was lazing in the water and even
give her a kiss. She was good-natured and affectionate and I was astonished to
see the bond she had with Tonie, even understanding the Afrikaans that he was
speaking to her.
For any of you thinking that Jessica is held in captivity at
their home, you’re mistaken. She is free to roam whenever she chooses and is
often found socialising with the wild hippos further down in the bank. Jessica
is unsure whether she is a human or a hippo however, as she appears to be somewhat
wary of her contemporaries! She spends her days cooling off in the water,
spending time with her family (including the dogs) and being fed her mammoth
allotted 80kg a day! If she is ever hungry still, she knows exactly where to go
–she lumbers into the kitchen and has herself a little more sustenance. So basically, she is just like a typical
teenager isn’t she (without the spots and mood swings).
I feel very lucky to have met and spent time with Jessica and
will leave you with a few words that I think sum up this magnificent creature
perfectly - ‘Jessica is so gentle; she is a tremendous boost for our physical
and mental wellbeing. She is genuinely kind. Although she has phenonmenal
strength in her jaw, she has never shown any signs of aggression. Jessica is
the most wonderful precious thing, she is so unique and special, and needs to
be appreciated’. (Tonie and Shirley Joubert).
For more information on Jessica, please see:
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