A one-year-old hippo named Owen was rescued on 27 December 2004 when the Asian Tsunami separated him from his family leaving him alone in the Indian Ocean. Owen was brought to Haller Park where he found friendship in the most unlikely creature, a 130 year-old giant Aldabran tortoise name Mzee. Within hours the two had formeed a powerful bond. Six months later and they still swim, go for walks, eat and sleep together. Owen even licks the tortoise who stretches his neck for full enjoyment.

The baby hippo's behaviour demonstrates the power of family bonding. As he is a baby, Owen desparately needs a mother figure. The tortoise, on the other hand probably sees Owen as a new adorable companion.

International interest in this story has overwhelmed staff at Haller Park - over 40,000 websites carry the story. Owen and Mzee can be visited every day at 4.30pm in Haller Park.