Jessica the Hippo: A South African Icon

Nov 06, 2025 0

Jessica the hippo is a one-of-a-kind animal that has captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide. Her story is known worldwide.

Jessica the Hippo at San Diego Zoo

Jessica's Incredible Rescue and Life

The Jessica hippo story began in 2000 with a couple of true animal lovers, honorary game ranger Tonie and his wife, Shirley Joubert. A story that is known world wide, Jessica the hippo was rescued after devastating floods had washed her onto the banks of Tonie and Shirley’s property.

Tonie found this lovable calf on the banks of the Blyde River shortly after she was born. She washed up near the farm with her umbilical cord still attached. When the Joubert family found Jessica, she was tiny and tired, weighing only 16 kg. The calf was swept downstream near their home because of devastating floods in Mozambique and South Africa.

She was weak and tired from the ordeal, weighing only 16kg. When I picked her up I realised she still had her umbilical cord attached," Tonie says. With low chances of surviving in the wild, he welcomed the hippo into his home. Tonie met and married Shirley a few years after rescuing Jessica. Taking her in and providing for her she has grown beautifully and is even best friends with the paw friends on the property.

They fed her bottles of milk, and she slept like a baby in a warm bed. To increase her chances of survival, the game ranger, who has more than 45 years experience, put together a colostrum substitute. The traumatised calf couldn't get enough of the milk-like liquid.

"We bottle-fed the formula, which consisted of full-cream milk, egg yolk and cream. In 24 hours Jessica hungrily consumed 1,6 litres," he recalls. Shirley thought of Jessica as her own daughter.

After a rocky start, Jessica is now living like a rock star. Today, she weighs around 1400 kg. She drinks up to 20 litres of rooibos tea a day, has an ear for classical music and enjoys veggies, say her owners, Tonie and Shirley Joubert. Jessica has an enormous mouth and teeth, but this gentle giant is unlikely to bite.

The couple are game rangers who own a farm near the Blyde River. "Jessica is one of the only hippos we know of that lives freely and isn't in captivity. She has the freedom to roam around the farm," Tonie tells YOU. "When she isn't swimming with other hippos in the river, she's showing off her personality to guests."

She's been featured in documentaries, had a role in a comedy film and appeared on The Oprah Winfrey show. She also played a role in a South African comedy film, Mr. Bones. "She's featured in 106 documentaries, played a role in Mr Bones, featured in an Oprah Winfrey show and is visited by many people from across the globe," Tonie says proudly.

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Jessica has attracted visitors from far and wide. A friendly hippo with a big story and an even bigger heart. So it's little wonder Jessica the hippo is treated like a celebrity in the small town of Hoedspruit in Limpopo.

While Jessica became part of the family, she grew bigger, and her caregivers realized that it was time for her to return to the wild. The most famous South African hippo, Jessica, helped her adoptive parents to safety during the floods. The Joubert’s house was submerged by the rising water and Tony Joubert was trying to get his wife to dry land when Jessica started to push the boat with her snout to where her owner was.

Jessica was pushing the boat upstream, against the strong current. “I could have fallen had she not guided me”. During the crossing, the hippo was behind the boat giving to the couple a welcome sense of security. “Her snout was against my leg, urging me on” Tony said.

Indeed, hippos move easily in water, either swimming by kicking their hind legs or walking on the bottom. They are well-adapted to their aquatic life, with small ears, eyes and nostrils set at the top of the head. Submerged by the rising water and Tony Joubert was trying to get his wife to dry land when Jessica started to push the boat with her snout to where her owner was. Jessica was pushing the boat upstream, against the strong current.

The Jouberts left their house which was completely under water to seek refuge in their car parked on higher ground. Then they decided to spend the night in their tree house on their property. All surrounding families were evacuated but the Jouberts refuse because they did not want to leave Jessica alone. “We feel so safe with her, the bound between the three of us had grown even stronger”, Shirley said.

Jessica was found 12 years ago on the river Band and has been raised by the Jouberts. The name hippopotamus comes from the Greek “hippos,” meaning horse; these animals were once called “river horses.” Hippos spend most of their day in water close to shore lying on their bellies. In areas undisturbed by people, hippos lie on the shore in the morning sun.

She is head over heels for rooibos tea! She got a taste for tea when they tried to wean her off her formula. A guest feeds Jessica sweet potatoes from a jetty on the banks of the Blyde River. She now drinks it for breakfast, lunch and supper. She prefers it slightly warm, with a little bit of sugar and sometimes just before her bedtime she'll nudge us because it helps her fall asleep," he says.

Although hippos are primarily herbivores, some have observed them engage in omnivorous behavior. What does Jessica the hippo enjoy feasting on? Her favorite foods include sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and bread. To wash down the delicious meal, Jessica gulps down some rooibos tea.

Yes. You may come across news of ‘Jessica the hippo has a baby on the way’, but sadly her calf passed away on the same night as her loving caretaker, Shirley. Tonie found the two-day-old calf downstream, weighing only 12 kg.

She lives free in the Blyde River...

Jessica the Hippo's story is one of resilience and interspecies connection. Rescued as a tiny baby after devastating floods washed her onto the property of Tonie and Shirley, she was taken in and nurtured. This act of kindness allowed Jessica to survive and thrive, forming an extraordinary bond with her human caregivers. She has grown into a magnificent animal, known for her gentle demeanor and unique personality.

Her story has gained international recognition, drawing visitors from around the globe who are touched by her journey and eager to experience her firsthand. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for Jessica, allowing her to live a life enriched by human care and interaction, a testament to the remarkable relationships that can form between humans and wildlife.

Visitors often describe the experience as humbling and surreal, getting to feed, pet, and even kiss a hippo. The dedication of her caretakers, like Shirley, is evident in Jessica's well-being and her trusting nature towards humans. It's a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and the beauty of nature's unexpected connections.

Planning Your Visit: What to Expect

You can meet the pet hippo Jessica at her riverside home in Hoedspruit. The pair own a nature reserve where they invite guests to interact with Jessica. During your visit, you can get up close and personal with this mesmerizing creature.

Visiting Jessica the Hippo is more than just seeing an animal; it's an immersive experience. Visitors consistently rave about the unbelievable and unforgettable experience of meeting Jessica the Hippo. The interaction with the hippos are a true highlight, with their massive size and gentle demeanor. The opportunity to feed, pet, and even kiss her, coupled with her heartwarming rescue story, makes for a truly unique encounter.

Jessica the Hippo interacting with visitors

Visitors are encouraged to book their slots in advance to ensure a spot and a smooth entry. While Jessica the Hippo is a beloved attraction, booking your visit in advance is highly recommended. This helps manage visitor flow and ensures a smoother experience, especially during peak times. Some visitors noted a wait if not pre-booked, so secure your spot to avoid disappointment. Book your visit at www.jessicahippo.com

Punctuality is crucial, especially for feeding times, as Jessica adheres to her schedule. Arriving on time guarantees you won't miss the most interactive parts of the visit. Jessica has a schedule, particularly for her meals! Arriving on time is crucial, as she won't wait for her lunch. Being punctual ensures you don't miss out on the interactive feeding and petting experiences that make this visit so special. Be punctual, she won't wait for you for her lunch!

During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to get up close with Jessica. This includes feeding her, petting her, and for female visitors, the unique chance to give her a kiss. The handlers are experienced and ensure that interactions are safe and respectful for both guests and Jessica. Many visitors are struck by her gentle nature and the trust she places in her human companions.

Beyond the direct interaction, you'll learn about Jessica's remarkable rescue story, which is a significant part of her appeal. The atmosphere is generally described as heartwarming and unforgettable, making it a must-do for many travelers. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable visit.

Bring Your Manners Jessica can be a bit of a diva; politeness goes a long way! Remember to bring your camera to capture these unique moments, but always follow the guidance of the staff.

Tips for Visiting Jessica the Hippo

Book in Advance: Secure your spot to avoid waiting and ensure a smooth visit.
Be Punctual for Feeding: Jessica won't wait for her lunch! Arrive on time for the best experience.
Bring Your Manners: Jessica can be a bit of a diva; politeness goes a long way!
Family-Friendly Fun: An unforgettable experience for all ages. Kids and adults alike will be amazed.

Here's a summary of essential tips for visiting Jessica the Hippo:

Tip	Description
Book in Advance	Secure your spot to avoid waiting and ensure a smooth visit.
Be Punctual	Arrive on time for feeding, as Jessica won't wait!
Be Polite	Jessica can be a bit of a diva, so politeness goes a long way.
Bring the Family	It's an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Getting There

Jessica the Hippo is located in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Many visitors travel by car, as it's a scenic drive through the region. If you're coming from further afield, you might fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and then rent a car or arrange transport. Some tour operators, like Keeya Travel Solutions, offer packages that include transport.

Public transport options directly to Jessica the Hippo's location can be limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange private transport. Local tour operators can often assist with this. Many visitors combine a trip to Jessica the Hippo with a safari in the nearby Kruger National Park or other private game reserves. This makes it a convenient stop on a larger South African adventure.

Tickets & Entry

While specific prices can vary, visits are generally considered very affordable and offer great value for an unforgettable experience. It's best to confirm current pricing when booking. Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended to ensure your visit and avoid potential waiting times. Some reviews mention paying afterward, but pre-booking is key for a smooth experience.

Opening hours are typically aligned with feeding times, especially for interactive experiences. It's crucial to be punctual for your booked slot, as Jessica has her schedule. Check with your booking provider for exact times. While some visitors mentioned paying afterward, it's advisable to inquire about online payment options when booking to streamline your arrival.

Onsite Experience

You can feed, pet, and even kiss Jessica! Learning about her incredible rescue story and meeting her 'family' are also highlights. It's an interactive and heartwarming experience. The interaction is carefully managed by experienced handlers who ensure safety for both visitors and Jessica. Following their guidance is essential for a positive experience.

Absolutely! Jessica the Hippo is a fantastic experience for families. Children and adults alike find the interaction amazing and memorable. Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Since you'll be outdoors, consider the weather. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea for safety and comfort. Yes, visitors are encouraged to capture memories! Many social media posts showcase incredible photos and videos of interactions with Jessica.

Food & Dining

While the focus is on the animal interaction, it's wise to check if any light refreshments are available. Many visitors opt to have meals before or after their visit in Hoedspruit. It's best to confirm this when booking. Typically, the emphasis is on feeding Jessica, so outside food might be restricted.

Photography

The most iconic shots are during the feeding and interaction sessions, capturing the close-up moments with Jessica. Her unique personality often makes for expressive photos. Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of the handlers' instructions and avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals. A camera with good zoom capabilities can be useful for capturing Jessica's expressions from a safe distance. However, many memorable shots are taken up close during the interaction.