It was a balmy post-tsunami day when he was discovered on the coral reefs away from shore. Two feet tall and 600 pounds, he was a meager shadow of his parents and other herd members. But, where was the herd?
He was mad, too. People kept crowding him and throwing nets on his back. He didn’t like these men and he really didn’t like nets. His instinct told him to run, to charge, but a man called Owen Sobien put a stop to all the chaos. In one fluid motion he leapt atop the rounded figure, securing him with a shark net.
Applause erupted as our new friend was ceremoniously named Owen and unceremoniously shoved in the back of a pick-up truck. The ride was dusty and hot in the African sun as they traveled to Mombasa, Kenya where an animal sanctuary named Haller Park awaited their arrival. Unfortunately, there was a problem; the existing herd was territorial and extremely aggressive. Owen would surely be killed.
Since he was still a baby, the park managers moved him into an enclosure called a boma. At the time the boma was home to gentler animals such as, “bushbucks, vervet monkeys and a few Aldabra tortoises.”
As they backed the truck into his new home it was becoming dark. Owen struggled to stay in the truck, but the annoying people prevailed. His slightly ungracious exit was followed by a quick bee line to a dark object in the corner of the boma. Within a minute the object moved, so he moved. The object moved again, so he moved again. Everyone smiled and called it a night.
The next morning, park managers were shocked by what they saw. Owen, a mammal, was sleeping next to a cold-blooded reptile. Not just any reptile, but a 130-year-old, grumpy, Aldabra tortoise.
This is the true story of Owen, a baby hippopotamus, and his constant-companion tortoise named Mzee [mm-Zay]. Currently, three books celebrate this extraordinary friendship: Owen & Mzee: Best Friends, Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship, and Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship. Each book celebrates their famous kinship, and is perfect for the child ready to transition into chapter books. Elementary teachers might find these books a refreshing approach to units on animals. Coloring sheets and activities can be found online at lafargeecosystems.com.
Note: Authors include Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu. Photography by Peter Greste.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Owen & Mzee (copy)
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17 comments:
i LOVE owen & mzee!
I LOVE this story! Does anyone know if the relationship has continued as Owen matured? And I will definitely get these books for children in my life - what age range would you recommend these for?
In answer to my own question, and according to Wikipedia: "As of March 2007, Mzee was removed from the enclosure. A female hippopotamus named Cleo had been added to provide companionship for Owen. Due to Cleo's rough behavior with the other tortoises, a decision was made to remove the tortoises. This has resulted in the breakup of the Owen and Mzee friendship. Owen seems to be adapting to his new friend Cleo"
Me, too Erica!
Diane, all three books retell the story of Owen's rescue then give a little more information. If I was to buy (one book would do) it would be Best Friends. It's a great book for kids moving into chapter books. They contain more words than a regular picture book; plus, the vocabulary is harder. A challenge for 10-yr-olds, just right for 11s, but verging on too easy for 12s. Although, they can be read by older kids to younger ones at any time. Did you look at http://www.owenandmzee.com/omweb/ ?
Cute. Cute. Cute. Although, now I'm sad about Cleo's intrusion. ha
By the way, Texas is great, and I finally posted an update.
Mockingbird review coming soon.
Hi Tiffany,
They brought Cleo in on this very last book, but she was just as a lonely neighbor. She, too, was unable to enter the established herd, so maybe it's for the best.
Glad to see your move was a success; although, Fred looks wore-out! ;D
These sound like precious stories.
What a heartwarming story! I'll have to see if our library has any of these books. Thanks for sharing!
Joy & Nyssaneala, I think y'all will really like the books, but if you can't wait to read them, go to owenandmzee.com and watch a documentary on the early life of Owen.
I think this is one of the sweetest stories ever and I'd like to get these books for my nephews and niece to enjoy.
I was a yellow crayon too btw!
Yea, Deana!
Proceeds go to the Haller Park with every purchase. :)
I'll have to look for these books for my grandchildren!
Do check out the web show, Carol. Download a coloring sheet and let them play as you read. Happy Wekend! :)
I'll do that, Maggie. Happy Weekend to you, too! :)
I bought the first book for a young friend of mine who loves animals, and she loved it. I love it too!
I've read follow ups to the books. Initially Cleo befriended Mzee as well! Even though Owen and Cleo bonded and were moved, they still sometimes visit Mzee and her tortoise friends and have such happy reunions.
That is nice to know Grace. Thanks for the update!
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