A love so poetic often takes root in the most unexpected of terrains. The sun rises over the vast Zululand reserve, painting the sky with shades of amber and crimson. Amongst the myriad of creatures here, one can spot Charlie, a baby hippo with a story as unique as his name suggests.
Little Charlie, the hippo who never truly understood what it meant to be one. Abandoned at birth, fate played a kind hand and he found himself in the loving care of Zululand Rhino Orphanage. And in that haven, he found more than just care, he found a family – not of hippos, but of rhinos. Makhosi, an orphaned rhino, became his closest kin. The bond, so fierce and profound that Charlie began to mirror Makhosi, thinking he too, was a rhino.
Despite the loving environment, life wasn’t all rosy for Charlie. Because of his rhino friends’ disinterest in water, Charlie shied away from it too. Hippos, unlike rhinos, have a skin that demands hydration. Charlie began facing challenges like sunburn and overheating, which required him to be constantly sprayed with water. Every drop was a reminder that something had to change for the young hippo.
Hope arrived with a gentle heart named Moomin, a little female hippo with her own tale of bonding – with a sheep. Love knows no species, and the bond shared between Moomin and her sheep friend is proof of that. As Moomin stepped into the Zululand reserve, her sheep friend tagged along. Their enclosure nestled within Charlie’s, ensuring the hippos could gradually adapt to each other’s presence.
The moment the enclosures opened, magic unfolded. Charlie, with Moomin by his side, began to rekindle his love for water. While his heart still held a special place for Makhosi and his rhino friends, he learned the importance of embracing his true identity.
Today, Charlie and Moomin swim together, feeling the gentle ripples of water and the warmth of the sun, embodying the true essence of hippos. Their bond is so harmonious that it’s easy to envision them nurturing future baby hippos with the same love they share. As for Makhosi, he’s flourishing amidst a herd of rhinos, where he truly belongs.
Their journeys, though filled with challenges, remind us of the resilient spirit animals possess and the beauty of unexpected friendships. It also underscores the importance of understanding and catering to the unique needs of every creature. So, the next time you see a creature in need, remember Charlie and Moomin, and extend your heart.
For anyone looking for a companion, always remember: adopt, don’t shop. The love you’ll receive in return is immeasurable.
Share because your action will give animals a voice.
#hippos #rhinos #sheep #Zululand #wildlife
