Hippos, a Mongoose and Me: Tales of Rescue and Survival in the Wilds of Africa

In this sequel to the popular A Hippo Love Story, Karen Paolillo takes us deeper into her courageous but perilous life among Africa’s wildlife. Hippos, a Mongoose and Me is a collection of vivid stories reflecting the decades that Karen has lived and worked in the wilds of south-east Zimbabwe. The tales encompass a wide variety of animals and experiences, including Karen’s extraordinary affinity with hippos; life with her beloved mongoose, characterful baboons and rescued birds; close encounters with lions and an injured buffalo; and her heart-stopping flight from an enraged elephant.

To add to the drama, Karen and her husband Jean-Roger must face off against the drumbeat of political subterfuge and poaching of wildlife, sometimes at great personal risk.

Inspiring, surprising and sometimes sad, this heartfelt anthology is testament to the courage and resilience of its intrepid author.