When most people think of Africa's wildlife, hippos are often considered the gentle giants of the rivers. But few visitors get the opportunity to interact with one of these massive creatures up close—until they meet Jessica the Hippo, one of South Africa’s most extraordinary animal ambassadors. Nestled along the banks of the Blyde River, near the town of Hoedspruit, Jessica is not just any hippo. She’s world-renowned for her friendliness, charm, and unique bond with humans. Our recent visit to Jessica provided our guests with an unforgettable wildlife experience, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to interact with a creature of the wild in a way few people ever do.
Who Is Jessica the Hippo?
Jessica is no ordinary hippo. She became famous after being rescued as a newborn by Tonie and Shirley Joubert, a couple who found her stranded and orphaned during a flood in 2000. Weighing just 15 kilograms at the time, Jessica was nursed back to health at the couple’s home, and a special bond between human and hippo was formed. Over the years, Jessica has grown into a healthy adult hippo, weighing over a ton, but her gentle nature and playful personality have made her an icon of South Africa.
Jessica has captured the hearts of visitors from around the world and has even starred in several documentaries, showcasing her incredible connection to the Jouberts and the wider world. Unlike most hippos, which are known to be territorial and dangerous, Jessica is uniquely friendly and enjoys human interaction—making her an incredibly rare and special animal.
Arriving at Jessica’s Home
Our tour began with a scenic drive to Jessica’s home along the peaceful Blyde River, surrounded by the lush, green landscape of the Lowveld. Upon arrival, our group was greeted by Tonie, who shared the incredible story of Jessica’s rescue and how she became part of their family. As he explained the history of this remarkable animal, we could feel the passion and love the Jouberts have for her—a love that Jessica clearly reciprocates.
We were then led down to the riverbank where Jessica spends most of her time. As soon as she emerged from the water, the excitement among our guests was palpable. Seeing Jessica in person, with her large frame and endearing personality, was a surreal experience. It was clear that Jessica knew she was about to receive visitors, and she happily waddled toward us, ready for her daily interaction with humans.
Feeding and Bonding with Jessica
One of the highlights of visiting Jessica is the chance to feed her—a rare opportunity to hand-feed one of Africa’s largest and most powerful animals! Our guests were given bottles of rooibos tea, Jessica’s favorite treat, along with sweet potatoes. Watching Jessica gently sip tea from the bottle, her large lips carefully wrapping around it, was a heartwarming sight. Despite her size, she was incredibly gentle, and it was easy to see why she’s become a beloved figure.
Guests took turns feeding Jessica while learning fascinating facts about hippo behavior from Tonie. He explained how Jessica lives a dual life, enjoying the comforts of her home with the Jouberts while also roaming freely in the wild. She often interacts with wild hippos in the nearby river and has a unique connection to both the human and animal worlds.
A Rare and Safe Interaction
Interacting with a hippo, even one as tame as Jessica, is a rare privilege. In the wild, hippos are known to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, responsible for more human fatalities than any other large animal. Their size, speed, and territorial nature make them unpredictable and dangerous. However, Jessica’s upbringing and her extraordinary bond with the Jouberts have created a unique opportunity for people to safely interact with her.
Tonie and Shirley always prioritize safety, ensuring that Jessica’s interactions with visitors are calm and controlled. Our guests were amazed at how relaxed and trusting Jessica was, enjoying belly rubs and even giving her famous hippo kisses. This kind of up-close-and-personal encounter with a wild animal is not only rare but deeply moving, reminding us of the incredible connections that can exist between humans and wildlife.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
For our guests, meeting Jessica the Hippo was more than just an excursion—it was an emotional and unforgettable experience. Being in the presence of such a magnificent animal, knowing her incredible story, and witnessing the deep bond she shares with her human family left a lasting impression on everyone. Jessica’s gentle nature, playful personality, and love for rooibos tea made her the star of the day, and our group left with smiles and memories to last a lifetime.
Why Visit Jessica?
A visit to Jessica the Hippo is unlike any other wildlife encounter you’ll experience in South Africa. It’s a chance to see the softer side of one of Africa’s most formidable animals while learning about the vital role conservation plays in protecting wildlife. Meeting Jessica offers a unique perspective on the natural world, showing that with love, respect, and dedication, even the most unlikely friendships can flourish.
Jessica’s story is not only heartwarming but also a reminder of the beauty and resilience of Africa’s wildlife. If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, we highly recommend adding a visit to Jessica the Hippo to your itinerary. It’s an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for nature and the incredible animals that call this continent home.
Ready for an Adventure?
Join us on our next tour to Greater Kruger and the surrounding areas, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet Jessica and enjoy other unforgettable wildlife experiences. Book now and get ready to witness the magic of Africa’s wild, up close and personal!