Dear readers,
I hope that you enjoyed my ‘Hippo Love Story’.
Feel free to add your comments on the book and share with all of us about your feelings.
Love
Karen
Comments about Karen’s New Book
There is a review of my book "HIPPOS, A MONGOOSE AND ME" at Se7en.org Please read it at :...
Back in 1999 I had the fortune to visit Hippo Haven as part of an overland trip and to meet the remarkable Karen Paolillo. Sitting on a rock overlooking the Turgwe River, I was able to learn first- hand of the dedication of this determined lady to protect the pod of hippos and other wildlife in this beautiful part of Zimbabwe. Even in those early days her affinity with these animals, especially her beloved hippo leader, Bob, was wonderful. Her single-mindedness to ensure their prosperity was a real inspiration as I took my own first steps to learn more about the wildlife of southern Africa and the conservation issues facing many species, large and small.
The book vividly illustrates the many pressures facing wildlife today, whether it is the power of nature through natural droughts and floods, issues of human-animal conflict, the indiscriminate scourge of snaring and the horrors of poaching. The endless daily battles undertaken by Karen and her husband, Jean-Roger, supported by her dedicated game scouts, brings home the strength needed to fight and survive political, social and environmental upheaval and threats, whilst coping with the personal toll of working in this beautiful, yet often unrelenting, environment. Today a good sized, healthy pod of hippos still lives and breeds on the Turgwe River, thanks to Karen, Jean-Roger, her small committed team and supporters worldwide.
Across Africa, many individuals work tirelessly to try to ensure the survival and protection of species, and the world of wildlife would be a much poorer place without their passion and commitment to battle the odds. Karen Paolillo is the star and expert in the field of hippos. Through this book, she has brought to the world tremendous insight into the life of hippos and demonstrated what it takes to conserve species on a day-to-day basis. I look forward to continuing to follow her tremendous journey and to my next visit to Hippo Haven, hopefully not before too long. Meanwhile I would urge all those who care passionately about wildlife, as well as those who enjoy an awe-inspiring, real-life story, to read this amazing book.
Carol Smith, safari guide, wildlife researcher and rehabilitator
Carol I am so pleased that through your adventure in Africa back in 99 you went on to follow your dream. Life turns us around all of the time but if we remain focused anything is possible. Love to you Karen and the hippos x
A touching book about care and sacrifice for the animals and hippos of the Turgwe river, but also of love and commitment between two human beings ready to share hardship in hostile surroundings to fulfill their ideals in life. This commands respect in today’s selfish world! It took me less than a week to read the book and only two days to my wife to devour it.:-)
Raman it means so much to me that not only women but men too enjoy my book and children as well. I have a 15 year old girl here at this moment who tells me she read it in one sitting from day to night and loved it! For an author there is nothing better than to know the book that they put their heart and soul into reaches people. Love Karen and the hippos
Anyone with the least interest in protecting wildlife should make this wonderful book a “must read”. Keep it as part of a personal library.
This true life story is interwoven with recent Zimbabwean events, including the take over of land by those intent upon meting out accompanying violence.
The courage and tenacity displayed by Karen Paolillo and Jean-Roger left me feeling humbled.
Well done Karen for the book; well done the pair of you for your combined efforts living with wild animals.
George thank you for your words. At times here when we feel we have a lot decked against us, be it either our neighbours attitudes and you will know what I mean having read the book. Or be it a natural death like darling Robin in June the dominant hippo. Or just being tired of the same repetitive problems that come with this lifestyle, its people like you with your comments who give me a kick start to get back into full focus. Love Karen and the hippos
George it is people like yourself who I have never met who take the time to write how they feel about my book that really boost me up. In that at times life can be harsh here in Africa and as you know from reading the book the harshness is not from the animals! so to have people read and enjoy A HIPPO LOVE STORY means an awful lot to me. Love Karen and the hippos
I was already impressed by Karen from her web site and Facebook postings, but now that I have read “A Hippo Love Story,” I am in total awe, and so grateful for all she has done and for sharing it in this honest and riveting memoir.
Sharon thank you for you words it means a lot to me to know that people enjoy what I try to describe about this life in Africa. A life of extremes but where the pleasures are so intense. Nature at her best. Love Karen and the hippos
Have just finished reading Karen’s wonderful book. I have known Karen since our school days together and back then, she always had a passion for animals and wanted to work with them. Back then, who knew that this would lead her to a hand built bush house in Zimbabwe with hippos at the bottom of her garden. Karen’s journey is truly inspirational and has been fraught with danger many times, more so from man than from the animals, but she and Jean-Roger have shown strength and determination in the face of adversity and have come through it all. Zimbabwe has shown them all sides of itself, from it’s harsh, dry, barren summers to the beauty of new life when the rains come. From bonding with the hippos and trying to maintain a healthy environment for the hippos and other bush animals during the drought, Karen and Jean-Roger have created an ideal learning opportunity for those who visit her or those who read about her work. Her respect for the wild around her has raised a few eyebrows amongst the macho safari hunters, but they could learn a lot from Karen & Jean-Roger’s work in preservation rather than making money from the misery caused by their actions in allowing “guests” to kill the beauty around them. Karen’s book is open and honest and tells it as it is. I for one hope that Karen will continue writing about her life with the river horses and look forward to reading about the next chapter in her life. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy and keep on doing what you are doing. Much love. Jan xxx
Hi Jan we chose different paths but each one of us has had their life events and more are yet to come. Life is very much what you make of it. I can promise you there are times like this morning when the comfort of a house in Europe with sheep and cows grazing in the fields and the birds singing is appealing. Two poachers arrested this a.m the game scouts were attacked, bloody heads on the poachers as scouts had to retaliate with their sticks. Herbert the one scout may have a broken hand its very swollen from where the arrow was pushed into his hand but Jean-Roger has taken the 2 poachers and the scouts to the police and then a nurse for Herbert. All in a days work in Africa. Dead poached impala and a base camp to investigate for more dead animals with the police. But at least the scouts caught two of the three poachers. Thank you Jan for your words about this life here and I am so thrilled you want to read the sequel which will I am sure have lots to tell. Love Karen and the hippos x
As a Zimbabwean and passionate lover of animals I thoroughly recommend your getting hold of this true story written by Karen about her Hippos. From the first paragraph she draws you in to sharing her love for animals and nature,passion, determination, courage and dedication to the well being of not only the hippos but all creatures inhabiting the area she has chosen to live in. She takes you through her journey of joy, heartache and tears,and leaves you with a memory of her admirable interaction with the hippos and wild animals who have learned to trust a human being. A heartwarming narrative from a courageous lady who, in the face of much adversity, has dedicated her life to the animals of our Country.
Di your comments above really touch me especially as you are a Zimbabwean that really means a lot to me. I wish there were a million more people like you in Zimbabwe. Love Karen and the hippos
I had the pleasure of meeting Karen at a village hall in Sussex. To give an idea of the extent that she can inspire others to support her causes, it is only necessary to note that two of the visitors had come from the Netherlands. The book is an inspiring tale of a struggle against adversity. Karen, with the able support of Jean Roger has not only fed the hippos at times of drought, but has also raised the profile of these remarkable animals.
Hi Chris it was a pleasure to meet you and your lovely wife in Sussex and to know that you enjoy my book means so much to me. Love Karen and the hippos
What a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning, lying on my bed reading A Hippo Love Story by Karen Paolillo. I laughed, I cried, I felt fear and love. I could hear Karen speaking as I read. If you haven’t already read it, get yourself a copy quick for one of the best animal love stories I have ever read. Thank you Karen for the most amazing book. Xx
Jacquie Nel came here recently to meet the hippos as her sister Helen who lives in the UK is a parent of Banky hippo. It is always so so special for me to have a virtual friend arrive here and meet their hippo I feel such pride that they can see their hippo in the flesh. In Jacquie’s case she loved it here so much she is coming back again from Harare in August and this time bringing her daughter. Jacquie you told me on facebook that you read my book in one sitting from front cover to the end. I am thrilled it held your attention to read it throughout the day and that you enjoyed it. Look forward to introducing your daughter to all the animals xxx Karen and the hippos
Having just finished a Hippo Love Story I am desperate the next edition Karen!!
Whilst I am waiting I will simply have to read it all again as what an amazing book written by a truly amazing lady who has devoted herself to looking after the hippos and many other animals that she and Jean Roger share their home with.
Karen’s story is truly remarkable and brings to life the hardships of living in such a challenging environment and how she overcomes them. The book made me both laugh and cry and clearly shows Karen’s passion for animals and her huge determination to succeed in helping and protecting them.
Thank you for sharing your story with us all and I can only say that I am full of admiration for everything that you do.
Cheryl
Cheryl I believe that every person who loves an animal or animals makes such a difference in our world. That mothers who introduce animals to their young children are very special as then it gets passed along the line. That each one of us with our love for our immediate animal companions as well as caring about the wild animals can make a difference. I am so pleased that my book was enjoyed and there will be a sequel. Love Karen and the hippos
Je viens juste de reposer le livre de Karen “A hippo love story” et il me manque déjà.
Quelle vie exceptionnelle, quels moments dramatiques, quels moments exaltants, quel courage, quelle abnégation, quelle chance aussi parfois …
J’ai le souvenir de soirées palpitantes, l’été dernier, où Karen et Jean Roger nous racontaient au fil de l’eau leur vie mais le livre et les mots choisis pour le dire rendent encore plus incroyables leur quotidien et les moments de stress intenses qu’ils ont traversés.
Karen nous fait partager sa vie telle qu’elle parle, sans fards ni tricherie. On apprend une foule de choses sur les animaux sauvages, sur la nature africaine et encore plus sur la nature humaine avec ces belles personnes affrontant avec détermination d’autres individus aux idéaux moins avouables.
Karen et Jean Roger, savourez de vivre la vie que vous avez choisie, savourez de le faire main dans la main et je vous envoie toute mon admiration. Sincères amitiés.
Chere Marie-Christine merci beaucoup pour tes sentiments au sujet du livre. Je pense que tu es tres courageuse de l’avoir lu avec l’aide d’un dictionaire. Peut-etre qu’un jour il sera traduit en francais!
grosses bises Karen et les hippos