Hippos, a Mongoose and Me: Tales of rescue and survival in the wilds of Africa
by Karen Paolillo, Penguin Books R300 in bookstores
British-born Karen Paolillo has spent the last three decades protecting the hippos of theTurgwe River in south-east Zimbabwe. In this follow-up to her book A Hippo Love Story (2014), she shares more tales from her life with husband Jean-Roger, surrounded not only by hippos but also baboons, warthogs, lions, elephants, and buffaloes. (Close calls included!)
As the founder of theTurgwe HippoTrust, Paolillo feeds the hippos during droughts, shows volunteers the ropes and raises funds by documenting the wild hippos in their natural habitat.
It sounds blissful and adventurous – who doesn't want to live in a remote conservancy? – but she also emphasises that life in nature can be precarious. Floods, scorpion stings and fending offpoachers are all part of the daily grind.
Paolillo writes with enthusiasm, humour and an eye for detail. It makes for an entertaining read and you'll soon fall in love with her menagerie
