Baby Hippo 'Bo' Survives Cyclone, Becomes Social Media Sensation at Australian Zoo
SYDNEY, Australia — A six-month-old pygmy hippopotamus named Bo has captured global attention after surviving a devastating tropical cyclone that struck the Queensland coast last week.
WHAT: The baby hippo, born at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, was separated from her mother during the height of the storm’s flooding. Sanctuary staff found her stranded in a flooded enclosure, dehydrated and distressed.
WHY: Officials say Bo’s survival is remarkable given the widespread destruction from Cyclone Jasper, which killed two people and displaced hundreds. Her rescue and subsequent recovery have become a symbol of resilience for the affected community.
WHEN: The cyclone made landfall on Wednesday, with Bo’s rescue occurring early Thursday morning. The story gained viral traction on Monday after a video of the hippo playfully splashing with a zookeeper was posted on social media.
WHERE: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located 100 kilometers south of Brisbane, serves as Bo’s home. The sanctuary sustained significant damage, with enclosures destroyed and exhibits flooded.
WHO: Senior zookeeper Sarah Jensen is credited with locating and rescuing Bo. “She was trembling and calling out for her mother,” Jensen said in a statement. “Seeing her now, alert and eating again, we are cautiously optimistic for her full recovery.” The sanctuary has launched a fundraising campaign to repair storm damage.
Since her rescue, the hashtag #BoTheHippo has accumulated over 10 million views across social media platforms. Officials confirm Bo is now stable and being monitored by a veterinary team. Her mother is also reported to be unharmed.