Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship

by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, Paula Kahumbu, and Peter Greste

In the midst of the great devastation following the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December... read more

In the midst of the great devastation following the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004, the plight of an orphaned and stranded baby hippo caught the attention of many. Photographer Peter Greste captured the baby hippo’s rescue on film and followed the animal to his new home at an animal sanctuary in Mombasa. Named Owen by his rescuers, the hippo was placed with a 130-year-old giant tortoise named Mzee, who was known for keeping to himself. But Owen followed Mzee constantly, and by the end of their first night together, he was snuggled against the tortoise’s side. The two have since become inseparable. Writer Craig Hatkoff strikes just the right note in telling Owen’s story, with an informative but easygoing style. (Ages 5–10)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2007

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