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100 Year Old Tortoise Acts As Mom To Baby Hippo [PICS]

floristone.com — A baby hippopotamus that survived the tsunami waves on the Kenyan coast has formed a strong bond with a giant male century-old tortoise in an animal facility in the port city of Mombassa.

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  • feelphones, on 02/09/2008, -38/+6100 year old
    • sgtbutterscotch, on 02/09/2008, -2/+20"Fortunately , it landed on the tortoise and established a strong bond." Anybody else get a funny picture?
      What if the tortoise hates the hippo? "Curse my damned slowness!"
    • garfonzo, on 02/09/2008, -0/+35Thanks Captain Xerox
    • Rikkochet, on 02/09/2008, -1/+5100 year old; oft duped; everyone's seen it; still makes me a little happier every time I see it.
    • themastersb, on 02/09/2008, -2/+12That tortoise must have been born at least 100 years ago.
    • Goldennova, on 02/09/2008, -2/+2Why did everybody bury feelphone's comment? This article IS old.
    • MidwestIsBest, on 02/09/2008, -1/+1Actually, if you're going to be a douche, it's "100-year-old." Douche.
  • MrBabyMan, on 02/09/2008, -9/+61Famous. These guys even have their own books: http://www.amazon.com/Owen-Mzee-Story-Remarkable-F ...
    and plush dolls: http://www.amazon.com/Owen-Mzee-Doll-Isabella-Hatk ...
  • mareacaspica, on 02/09/2008, -33/+186the animal kingdom is so much better than mankind
    • lordtyros, on 02/09/2008, -6/+27If you like that sort of thing...
    • sgtbutterscotch, on 02/09/2008, -6/+60You're basing that on this one situation? There is so much out there that you need to see with respect to humans being nice to each other and animals being "cruel" to each other.
      • SQLDigger, on 02/09/2008, -10/+7Humans do seem to span the spectrum of cruelty and virtue a little more so than animals . . .
        • djz124, on 02/09/2008, -1/+6Yes, humans have the ability to hate to the point of mass murder, and to love to the point of dying for someone else
      • drgmdp, on 02/09/2008, -4/+19come on, don't ***** up the moment...
      • spargett, on 02/09/2008, -3/+9"Good" and "Bad" is a human invention.
        • djz124, on 02/09/2008, -3/+0I disagree that its an "invention", however, it is unique to humans. We have the ability to choose to love or to hate every day of our lives
        • JayBabs, on 02/09/2008, -0/+2The basic idea of "Good" or "Bad" is a creation of man. Taking things as a positive or negative is just a means of trying to make sense of everything, but all-in-all it is a human invention.
      • ParaSwarm, on 02/09/2008, -4/+4I haven't seen animals declare war on each other yet. When I witness a mass tortoise genocide by tigers, then I'll probably agree. Animals aren't all perfect, but humans are the ***** worst, bar none.
      • outsid3rNo17, on 02/09/2008, -2/+10Diggers will digg up any comment that bashes mankind or the US government.
        • StanleyKoolPrik, on 02/09/2008, -0/+7Digg is basically one big self-loathing convention.
    • oojamaflip2006, on 02/09/2008, -1/+33Mankind is part of the animal kingdom*
    • sougly, on 02/09/2008, -5/+21Humans are the best animals.
    • stklaw, on 02/09/2008, -3/+5I wonder what happens if a human gets raised by animals.
    • nerdherder, on 02/09/2008, -0/+6Humans don't eat their babies... usually...
    • MaTT2011, on 02/09/2008, -1/+4While i generally agree with what you just said, for completely different reasons mind you, i think this example, while unbeliviably adorable, is going to go the opposite direction soon enough.

      Hippo's, quite simply, ***** ***** up. Like giant monster in a city ***** things up stylee. So when this cute baby hippo gets big enough it might, accidentally or otherwise, ***** this old ass turtle up, hippo style.
      • fjkohut, on 02/09/2008, -0/+3I was thinking the exact same thing. Hippos kill people. Like, people. As in, they kill them. What's gonna happen to this ol' tortoise when the lil' baby hippo becomes a bone-crushing behemoth? I hope people take pictures then, too.
        • madmonkey300, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1I doubt anything bad is gonna happen :P
  • mentol, on 02/09/2008, -12/+194That's real love. No money, no cars, no nothing. JUST PURE LOVE!!!
    • sougly, on 02/09/2008, -1/+46No sex either -- I hope.
      • calebhawk, on 02/09/2008, -0/+15a hippoturtlus
      • SQLDigger, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1Then you're a better person then I am . . .
      • Zippopo, on 02/09/2008, -0/+8Hello there Mr. Tortoise, I'm Chris Hansen. Why don't you have a seat over there...
      • MrSunshine, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1In this case it would be incest.
    • Dexter77, on 02/09/2008, -2/+5Might be love, but it certainly is something extraordinary. (Nurturing) females are known to adopt cross species, but what would motive a 130 year male to do it? Maybe animals are smarter than we generally think. I just can't figure out why the tortoise would do it if he acted just on instincts. He must've understood that the hippo needed help, he must've know what would happen to it if he didn't help (understanding the concept of future) and he must've made a choice that would require a lot from him for years ahead.
    • nicejai, on 02/09/2008, -0/+6A more cynical interpretation:

      OR... it could be an example of how, even in the wild, an emotionally traumatized mind will engage in a relationship with anybody for the sake of emotional security and companionship.
    • leerayIG88, on 02/09/2008, -5/+3I love crack.
    • Ataxia2008, on 02/09/2008, -7/+3I love lamp
      • mysedai, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1Do you really love the lamp, or are you just saying it because you saw it?
    • J000, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1I love turtles
  • Sanduu, on 02/09/2008, -16/+6When will we see that to happen with humans?
    • Vodka2389, on 02/09/2008, -1/+48Yeah when will humans start adopting pets?
    • sgtbutterscotch, on 02/09/2008, -0/+40It's already happened. I found an ancient male tortoise of my own to be my adopted mother a few years ago. He's great. My favorite thing to do with him is fly kites.
      • SQLDigger, on 02/09/2008, -0/+15Mine gives me spankings.
      • inspecality, on 02/09/2008, -0/+10I like to race my tortoise mommy. He always let me win.
      • calebhawk, on 02/09/2008, -2/+3oh sgtbutterscotch u made my night, haha
    • thetechkid, on 02/09/2008, -1/+4Never.
    • holygram, on 02/09/2008, -5/+1wow digg....way to miss his point entirely.
  • pradico, on 02/09/2008, -2/+2pula mea
  • adrianzak, on 02/09/2008, -10/+1A baby hippopotamus that survived the tsunami waves
  • GigiBecali, on 02/09/2008, -5/+5nice article ;)
  • iamnogeek, on 02/09/2008, -7/+3Aww, this is so cool. We can learn a lot from animal world i guess :)
    • TheKage, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1That hippos can take a Tortois as parent?...
  • versatilier, on 02/09/2008, -1/+9i love it
  • Spero, on 02/09/2008, -2/+8Least they don't give each other the run around...

    Sorry...
  • garfonzo, on 02/09/2008, -1/+32Why is this article hosted on "Florist One - Online Florist".
    ???
    • CaviMike, on 02/09/2008, -1/+9The hippo ordered flowers for is mum of course.
    • jerryterhorst, on 02/09/2008, -2/+1the phone call must've had bad reception
  • str3ama, on 02/09/2008, -8/+2first of all I want a pocket hippo :S ... second of all this is a little old, but still it's quite nice although it doesn't make any sense since the Turtle was a male when I first heard about this story. Anyways, good for them.
    • Hopewell, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1It is a male tortoise. Read the article.
  • anchorman, on 02/09/2008, -1/+14Too cute.
  • iCallShotgun, on 02/09/2008, -1/+10*Cuteness overload*
  • drgmdp, on 02/09/2008, -3/+48that's a ***** big tortoise..
  • PerfektXj, on 02/09/2008, -2/+4cute
  • todd987, on 02/09/2008, -11/+1We don't cherish enough how lucky we are to be human.
  • Mikhail101, on 02/09/2008, -2/+23This may sound retarded but my cat thinks im its mother, when i come out of my room, come home from somewhere or just sees me walk by it runs all over the freaking house excited and makes weird noises from her throat to call me to her room to sit and watchover her while she eats, if i leave she will dart out and look at me trying to call me back. She doesnt do this with anyone else in my house but me, its very strange.
    • Abominous, on 02/09/2008, -0/+15My sister had that happen with a litter of kittens, about 6 of them IIRC. The mama abandoned them so she basically fed them (with a medicine dropper and formula, kept them warm, played with them, etc. When they got to the point where they could run around, the moment they heard her voice they'd all start meowing and cling to her wanting food and to be cuddled. It was really cute but it got on my sisters nerves after a while because they wouldn't leave her alone.
    • mesoholy, on 02/09/2008, -2/+16I adopted two kittens a couple of years ago. Now they're all grown up but they still like to suck on my ***** even though I am bone dry. My wife says it's because they think I am their mom. I'd like to adopted another one but I've ran out of nipples.
  • slumbum, on 02/09/2008, -9/+3Vegetarians should stick together...Hippos are Vegan, right?
  • koopertrooper, on 02/09/2008, -4/+5awwwwwwwwwwwww
  • Sil369, on 02/09/2008, -0/+12Wonder what the tortoise is thinking...
    • shyboy2008, on 02/09/2008, -2/+5he thinking "i need a thicker shell"
    • calebhawk, on 02/09/2008, -1/+69well he is 100 and most 100 year old people i've met are slightly crazy... he prolly thinks him and the hippo are both dolphins and live on jupiter.
    • jerryterhorst, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1GOD DAMN WHIPPERSNAPPER
    • phazon88, on 02/09/2008, -0/+2"Better not accidentally step on me when you grow up."
  • has2k1, on 02/09/2008, -0/+10The hippo will probably die first, leaving mother tortoise in misery.
  • diskit, on 02/09/2008, -10/+13I hate to be *that guy*, but...

    this is ***** OLD.
    • Harelin, on 02/09/2008, -2/+10Way to be that guy.
    • wesw02, on 02/09/2008, -4/+5Your right, I first heard about this about 2 years ago. This isn't news, not current news anyway.
      • aceakm, on 02/09/2008, -0/+6Well I heard about it right now, so why don't you just shut the ***** up?
  • oojamaflip2006, on 02/09/2008, -0/+15'Kids...don't run so fast '
  • shyboy2008, on 02/09/2008, -10/+3i like my turtle stew aged with a dash of hippo sauce.
  • JordanAustin, on 02/09/2008, -7/+21Anyone else think it should be titled "Fwd:FWD:FWD 100 Year Old Tortoise Acts As Mom To Baby Hippo [PICS]?
    • calebhawk, on 02/09/2008, -0/+15most people don't read the chain e-mails our grandparents send us...
  • megaton, on 02/09/2008, -4/+109100 year old story thinks digg is its mother; follows around
  • InfinitySnatch, on 02/09/2008, -1/+2That tortoise looks kind of agitated.
  • wipis, on 02/09/2008, -2/+15Me thinks Disney has something to do with this...
    • x00x, on 02/09/2008, -10/+5What are you, in the second grade? ME thinks? ME ***** THINKS?? It's not cute, its not endearing, its not charming.
      Moronic, dumb and dumber is what it is. As far as the rest of you, you can all dig me down to hell for all i care.
      I stand uncorrected.
      • DarkGerbil, on 02/09/2008, -1/+9Actually, the word "methinks" is an acceptable english word that can be found in any dictionary. It means "It seems to me." In fact, the only mistake in the above post is the unnecessary addition of a space in the middle of the word. But you didn't notice that did you? You thought you were gunna' disintigrate this kid on the use of the english language didn't you? Before you go around trying to act cool in front of your virtual buddies, make sure you know what the ***** you're actually doing.
        You stand corrected.
  • Mytzylplyx, on 02/09/2008, -0/+3the books on those two are awesome for kids. if you happen to have kids, i highly suggest the purchases.
  • daxsymbiont, on 02/09/2008, -3/+1BLASPHEME
  • insomniac8400, on 02/09/2008, -10/+3Proof animals are stupid.
  • stavrogin2, on 02/09/2008, -0/+2Some more information here: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/01/01 ...
  • CaviMike, on 02/09/2008, -0/+10300kg(650lb) hippo and the tortise is bigger?! Holy S***!
  • mal1964, on 02/09/2008, -1/+9Looks more like the hippo uses him as a pillow, And the tortoise doesn't care.Awww isn't that sweet!
  • pimpofpixels, on 02/09/2008, -5/+4Why do I get the feeling that there's some right wing nut job out there who's freaking out about this.
    • jdevine420, on 02/09/2008, -0/+0I think even right-wingers can enjoy this one.
    • yfguitarist, on 02/09/2008, -0/+2Because you're prejudiced?
  • mcho19, on 02/09/2008, -1/+2why do digg users hate on people that appreciate the comments? its nice to see something like this.
  • Cybersuchus, on 02/09/2008, -0/+4The story is touching. It's old too. If you want to see a real heartstring tugger, check out the videos on their official site: http://www.owenandmzee.com/omweb/ They had a genuine, loving friendship. It's unfortunate that they are no longer together.
    • dylangaine, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1haha- it seems like the tortoise has no choice but to relent to the hippos pursuit. cute tho.
      • Joeyshinobi88, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1isn't that what true love really is? one devoted person to another who accepts said devotion out of laziness?
  • bitdifferent, on 02/09/2008, -0/+3I visited Haller Park ( http://www.lafargeecosystems.com ) last year and although I didn't see the famous pair, I still had a great time - if you're in Kenya anywhere near Mombasa it's a must-see. You also really need to visit the restaurant, where I had a mixed grill consisting of crocodile, oryx and guinea fowl. It was the single most amazing meal I've ever eaten in my life!
    I was in Kenya working at Tumaini School ( http://educationforlife.net ) ; please spare a thought , a prayer if appropriate for you, and perhaps even a donation for them in this difficult time for Kenya.
    • crossmr, on 02/09/2008, -0/+2I don't think anyone wants to be anywhere near kenya right now..
  • SuziQjam, on 02/09/2008, -0/+2Beautiful... Like humans, we seek and find what we need to survive. I feel the wonderful story is a lesson in acceptance......there is no prejudice, no differences, just acceptance of one another.....they both are fulfilling their "emotional needs" through their bond with one another.
    • SQLDigger, on 02/09/2008, -1/+2Whatever gets you through the week . . .
  • digg0t, on 02/09/2008, -1/+4Pedo Tortoise!
  • NickLindeman, on 02/09/2008, -0/+6Unfortunately they are no longer together because they wanted the hippo to act more like a hippo. http://www.lafargeecosystems.com/main/blogpopup.ph ...
    • Ferago, on 02/09/2008, -0/+3bah, those bastards. Aren't there enough hippos acting like hippos?
  • KillPenguin, on 02/09/2008, -1/+3Dear god, it's so adorable!
  • HearWa, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1I wonder how long it will be before the hippo hits its true nature and bites the tortoise's head off? I bet we won't hear about that in the news.
  • Epik, on 02/09/2008, -0/+6Because "dads" can't be caring parents right?
  • shortmilton, on 02/09/2008, -0/+3Aw hell,that ain't nothin'.I've got nine dogs and they all think I'm God.
    But some folks think dogs are emotionally shallow anyway.
  • grimward, on 02/09/2008, -0/+7Thing is, digg has messed with my head so much .. so I don't really see a happy cute hippo anymore, I see the murderous machine that hunts people and EAT THEM if they get too close to anyone they care about :D (FYI, hippos aren't docile creatures, they're ***** insane)
    • ParaSwarm, on 02/09/2008, -0/+2Hippos are also known for tasering and waterboarding. Digg has taught me to trust NOBODY!
    • poordavey, on 02/09/2008, -0/+2In reference to that story that made front page a couple days ago - the top 10 adorable animals that you should avoid?

      That hippo/tortoise picture top left of this article was on that story as well, I thought it sounded familiar ;)
    • SQLDigger, on 02/09/2008, -0/+1This is exactly why more tortoises need to step up and take responsibility for the mad hippo population, and instill them with their virtues of slow, steady, thoughtful interaction with other species. Way to miss the whole point of the article. God, some people, I swear . . .
      • grimward, on 02/10/2008, -1/+1Wow.. and woosh just like that, my irony flies over your head :D (hint: caps are usually a dead giveaway)
  • ParaSwarm, on 02/09/2008, -4/+2I think it's so cool that tortoises can live for so long. Damned crazy animal kingdom.
  • KnightofCydonia, on 02/09/2008, -1/+1Well thats awkward.
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