Featured Blog Post: Owen & Mzee – The Hippo and Tortoise Who Became Best Friends
August 16, 2025
Owen & Mzee – The Hippo and Tortoise Friendship Born at Haller Park
At Haller Park in Mombasa, a remarkable friendship blossomed between Owen, a young hippo, and Mzee, a 130-year-old Aldabra tortoise. Their bond defied species, age, and expectations, capturing global media attention and inspiring children and adults alike.
Even today, their story continues to symbolize resilience, companionship, and the power of nature to surprise us.
A story of Owen & Mzee
The Rescue of Owen the Baby Hippo
In December 2004, tragedy struck the Kenyan coast when the Indian Ocean tsunami separated a baby hippo from its herd near Malindi. Stranded and exhausted, the orphaned calf later named Owen was rescued by villagers and wildlife officials after a difficult struggle.
Weighing nearly 300 kilograms, the frightened young hippo was transported to Haller Park, a sanctuary known for transforming an abandoned quarry into a thriving ecological haven.
Meeting Mzee, the 130-Year-Old Tortoise
At Haller Park, Owen was placed in an enclosure with Mzee, a giant Aldabra tortoise who was already over a century old. To everyone’s surprise, Owen immediately bonded with Mzee, following him everywhere, cuddling up to him at night, and even trying to mimic his behaviors.
Mzee, whose name means “wise old man” in Swahili, was at first hesitant but eventually accepted Owen, becoming his protector and surrogate companion.
A Friendship That Touched the World
Their story quickly spread around the world, drawing journalists, conservationists, and tourists to Haller Park. They were featured in documentaries, newspapers, and children’s books, including “Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship”, which introduced millions of young readers to their unique bond.
This unlikely pair taught us that:
- Friendship knows no boundaries of species or age.
- Animals are capable of empathy and companionship.
- Conservation spaces like Haller Park can create extraordinary stories.
📰 External Reference: Read more about Aldabra tortoises on Encyclopedia of Life.
The Legacy of Owen & Mzee
While Owen eventually grew too large to stay with Mzee and was relocated to live with other hippos, the legacy of his friendship remains one of Haller Park’s most cherished stories. Today, visitors still ask about Owen & Mzee, and their story is used to educate children about wildlife, conservation, and compassion.
The park continues to celebrate their friendship as a symbol of resilience, hope, and the surprising ways animals adapt to change.
Visiting Haller Park – Where the Story Began
When you visit Haller Park in Mombasa, you can walk the same grounds where Owen and Mzee shared their remarkable bond. Alongside their story, you’ll experience:
- 🦒 Giraffe Feeding
- 🦋 Butterfly Pavilion
- 🐊 Reptile Enclosure
- 🐟 Aquaculture & Wetlands
- 🌳 Forest Trails & Birdwatching