Natasha May, a health reporter for Guardian Australia, has expressed her lifelong love for pygmy hippos in a recent article. While the rest of the world has only recently discovered the unique cuteness of the animals through viral videos, May has been admiring them for over 15 years. Her fascination began in 2008 when she saw a news segment about Monifa, the first pygmy hippopotamus born at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in 23 years. May’s parents even jokingly gave her a newspaper clipping of Monifa in lieu of an actual baby hippo she begged for.
Years later, May had the opportunity to have an up-close encounter with Monifa during a work experience placement at the zoo. She describes the privilege of being able to interact with the pygmy hippo, from rubbing her body to cutting up her food and cleaning her enclosure. This experience only deepened her admiration for the species.
May still visits the pygmy hippos at Taronga Zoo on her birthday and is delighted to see the rest of the world now appreciating their magnificence. While viral moments may fade, May’s devotion to pygmy hippos remains steadfast. Her story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the impact animals can have on our lives and the lasting connections we can form with them.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
