A tiny orphaned baby hippo is melting hearts online after rescuers found him desperately trying to wake his dead mother in Kenya.
The heartbreaking rescue happened near Naivasha, Kenya, where wildlife caretakers with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust discovered the newborn calf nudging his mother’s lifeless body after she reportedly died protecting him.
The baby hippo, now named Bumpy, was only a few days old when rescuers stepped in to save him.
Since then, the adorable calf has quickly stolen the hearts of animal lovers around the world thanks to the incredibly sweet bond he’s formed with his human caretakers.
Videos and photos shared online show Bumpy cuddling with rescuers, following them around constantly, and even snuggling beside them during naps.
At one point, the tiny hippo was even filmed curled up beside a caretaker during a helicopter ride.
According to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Bumpy has become completely attached to the people caring for him.
“He follows them around like a shadow,” the organization shared.
The rescue group said the baby hippo constantly grunts and “chatters” as he waddles behind his keepers everywhere they go.
“He is a very chatty fellow and keeps up a steady stream of conversation,” the organization explained.
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Because Bumpy is still so young, he spends much of his time sleeping and resting — usually pressed up tightly against one of his caretakers.
Animal lovers online can’t get enough of the tiny calf’s adorable personality.
“They are just like human children,” one viewer commented after watching the videos.
For now, Bumpy is being cared for at the wildlife trust alongside another rescued hippo calf named Musumbi.
While the two young hippos have already met briefly, caretakers say Bumpy currently prefers spending nearly all of his time with his human rescuers.
Eventually, the goal is to help Bumpy safely reintegrate with other hippos as he grows older.
But until then, the tiny orphan seems perfectly happy soaking up every cuddle and ounce of love he can get from the people who saved his life.