The hippo is one of the most dangerous animal in Africa. But in South Africa, there's a man that has developed a friendship with this dangerous animal. The hippo even helps him cross lakes on his 400-acre farmstead.
Marius Els, a 40-year-old farmer, has raised Humphrey, the name of the hippo, since he was just five months old, on his wildlife ranch near Petrus Steynlakes, South Africa. He raised Humphrey that's like a son to him. He even built a dam to create a 200m wide and 18m deep lake that is perfect for the hippo to wallowing in. Most people will look upon Humphrey with fear, but Marius climbs on Humphrey, back as he swims across a 200-meter-wide lake. This 1200kg hippo could easily chew him, but instead of doing that, Humphrey acts very friendly around Marius. Marius always gives him copious amounts of his favorite treat apples, to put him in a good mood, before they ride out together.
Although Humphrey may be loved by his human owners but he still pines for companionship. Marius said that Humphrey feels very lonely at this point in his life. He had another friend, a goat, but a jackal killed the goat, so now he' all by himself. For three year Marius have been looking out for a female but it's very difficult to find a tame hippo female in Africa. Marius can't put the untamed female with Humphrey because she must be less than his age, otherwise they will kill each other.
On the other hand, Marius can not release Humphrey in the wild, because the other male would fight and probably kill him. Instead, Marius is happy to consider any opportunities for long-term relationship prospects with a nice tame female for his hippopotamus son.
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