Hippos are confusing animals. You know them from
picture books as big brave, cuddly creatures that only open their huge mouth to
laugh or to swallow a bunch of lettuce. On the other hand, they rank high in
all top ten lists of the most dangerous animals on land. What is the truth? If
you meet Nellie the Hippo in the wild, forget what you know and only believe
your own eyes.
Nellie is curious, gruff, cranky or now and then even nerdy; sometimes a clown
and sometimes a prude. Nellie can dance like a nymph and sing like a
nightingale. When she is in a good mood, her ears curl and her eyes glow with
pleasure. But if she is rude and naughty, caregiver Alki has to make every
effort to keep Nellie in line.
Even though she can be moody, we think she’s the sweetest hippo in the world!
Hippo
