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Witness History: The hippo and the tortoise

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The hippo and the tortoise

10/11/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, The hippo and the tortoise

In 2004, a hippo and a tortoise became friends. Their story gained worldwide fame

In Kenya, a baby hippo and a giant tortoise formed an unusual friendship in 2004. The story of Owen and Mzee became a symbol of hope and went viral.

Following the devastating tsunami of 2004, a baby hippo named Owen was rescued from the sea off the coast of Kenya.

He was taken to Haller Park in Mombasa, home of a 130-year-old giant tortoise called Mzee.

Owen and Mzee formed an unusual friendship and their story gained worldwide fame.

Dr Paula Kahumbu tells their story to Gill Kearsley. 

(Photo: Owen and Mzee. Credit: Peter Greste/AFP/Getty Images)

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