Jessica was found stranded on the banks of the Blyde River in 2000 when she was approximately one day old.
She is considered the most socialized wild hippopotamus in the world.
Jessica has appeared in numerous international documentaries and television programs, gaining global fame.
Despite her size, she has been trained to respond to her name and displays affectionate behaviors toward her primary human caretakers.
She continues to live a semi-wild existence, spending her nights in the river and interacting with other wild hippos.
Jessica the Hippo is a world-renowned, habituated female hippopotamus living on a private reserve near Hoedspruit, South Africa. Rescued as a calf after being separated from her pod during floods in 2000, she has since become a socialized animal known for her unusual interactions with her caregivers, Tonie and Shirley Joubert. The property functions as a sanctuary where visitors can observe Jessica in her natural riparian environment along the Blyde River. Daily sessions allow guests to feed, pet, and learn about the biology of common hippos through close-proximity encounters. The sanctuary emphasizes human-animal connection and provides education regarding the species' behavior in the wild. Access is restricted to pre-booked guided visits to ensure the safety and comfort of the animal.
At the river's edge where you are positioned during the supervised feeding interaction.
Always book your appointment well in advance, as visits are strictly controlled and limited to maintain the animal's routine.
Listen closely to the guides' instructions regarding animal body language to ensure a safe interaction.
Avoid sudden movements or loud noises when approaching the water's edge.
Do not arrive without a confirmed reservation, as the property is a private residence and walk-ins are not accommodated.
Visits must be scheduled in advance; the sanctuary may restrict access during extreme weather or when the animal is naturally reclusive.
Maintain a calm demeanor, follow guide instructions implicitly, and refrain from touching the hippo's sensitive areas like the ears or eyes.
