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<\/a><\/p>\nHippos are dangerous animals and actually account for the most deaths of any African land animal.\u00a0 Jessica is different, though.\u00a0 This adorable lady was found by a couple near Hoedspruit, South Africa after she had been born prematurely during storm.\u00a0 Weighing only 35lbs (not very much for a newborn hippo) and with no mother in sight, the couple raised this hippo in their home.<\/p>\n
Jessica quickly grew to a regular hippo size, which is far too large for your average human house.\u00a0 She now lives in the river behind the house and stops by to visit tourists every day for tea and potatoes, and occasionally to sleep in the garage.\u00a0 She also apparently scares away crocs so her human mom can swim.\u00a0 South Africa’s a wild place.<\/p>\n The unique thing about Jessica the Hippo that sets her apart from similar animal attractions is that she can come and go as she pleases.\u00a0\u00a0 There are no cages or circus tricks.\u00a0 Jessica spends most of her day out doing hippo stuff with other hippos, and then like any self respecting woman, come around when she knows people will put potatoes in her mouth.\u00a0 We can all relate.<\/p>\n I arrived to visit Jessica just before noon (during her regular visiting hours)\u00a0 for about 75 Rand ($5 usd)<\/p>\n After a short video and Q&A with Jessica’s adopted parents, its time for the main event.\u00a0 Visiting hours are limited to encourage her to have as much time to be a regular hippo as possible, but she comes eagerly and hops right up on the dock for cuddles.\u00a0 Jessica does seem to genuinely enjoy the attention.<\/p>\n My group was only about 5 people who all took turns feeding Jessica potatoes, giving her weak tea out of a bottle, and posing for pictures.\u00a0 Jessica allowed us to pet her nose, which is a pretty unique experience, but only the women are allowed to kiss her.\u00a0 Apparently she doesn’t like it when men kiss her.\u00a0 I feel like there is more of a story there than I got, but the world may never know.\u00a0 We all probably would have heard about it if it were fatal right?<\/p>\n Visiting Jessica is an incredible experience.\u00a0 I mean, how often do you get up close and personal with such an incredible creature?\u00a0 I found it irresistible, and had a great time, but it did leave me with mixed feelings.\u00a0 At the end of the day, Jessica is still a wild hippo and that seems like an accident waiting to happen.\u00a0 Many have speculated what could happen if Jess gets pregnant and her “mamma hippo” instincts take over.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n