No sign of the mother
Julia crouched slowly, stroking the animal’s wet skin, her heart aching with worry. “The mother should be around her somewhere.” They scanned the enclosure, noting other hippos lounging lazily near the far end, soaking up the sun. But the calf’s mother wasn’t among them.
“Maybe she’s behind the rocks?” Julia suggested. The group moved further inside, keeping alert. The baby hippo stayed close to Julia, whining softly every few steps, tugging at her attention.
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