7/8/2005: Hippo and tortoise hang out

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http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051227/nytu029.html?.v=40

Marking the One Year Anniversary of the Tsunami Scholastic to Publish the Official Version of 'Owen & Mzee'

Inspirational True Story of the Baby Hippo Orphaned By Tsunami and Adopted By Giant Tortoise Captures World's Imagination

Scholastic, the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, Turtle Pond Publications and Lafarge Eco Systems today announced the publication of "Owen and Mzee: the True Story of a Remarkable Friendship." This story of hope and resilience chronicles the incredible friendship formed between Owen, a baby hippo orphaned by the Tsunami, and Mzee, a giant Aldabran tortoise who has become Owen's surrogate parent and inseparable friend. Written by Craig Hatkoff, his seven-year-old daughter Isabella and Lafarge's Dr. Paula Kahumbu, the book is set to be released in March, and will feature extraordinary photographs by journalist Peter Greste. Hatkoff's publishing company, Turtle Pond Publication, acquired the rights from Lafarge Eco Systems Limited that operates the Haller Park preserve in Mombasa Kenya where Owen and Mzee now live together.

One year after the unlikely pair was first joined at Haller Park in Mombasa, their bond is stronger than ever baffling scientists and marking one of the most unusual animal relationships that has ever been documented. Haller Park is a rehabilitated quarry with a thriving ecosystem and a place where visitors from around the world can come see Owen and Mzee in addition to other wildlife such as giraffes, hippos, antelopes and buffaloes to name a few of its many attractions of Nature.