Bumpy the Hippo is Back… and His Latest Video is Pure Happiness

Just weeks after heartbreaking footage of orphaned baby hippo Bumpy brought people to tears, the tiny calf is now paddling through life with growing confidence, a full belly and a rather impressive barrel roll.

Nairobi, Kenya (21 May 2026) – The internet needed a Bumpy update… and thankfully, the little hippo delivered.

Just a couple of weeks after the world collectively sobbed over the orphaned baby hippo who lost his mother in Kenya, Bumpy is back on our screens doing something nobody expected to heal us quite this much… barrel rolls in a swimming pool like an oversized water puppy discovering pure joy for the very first time. It’s impossible not to smile watching him.

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust recently shared a new video of Bumpy enjoying a freshly cleaned pool, splashing about with complete abandon while showing off what can only be described as Olympic-level baby hippo enthusiasm.

“Take a swim with Bumpy! We just refreshed his pool and he is the happiest little hippo in the land. Our wee water acrobat spent the afternoon paddling his heart out and perfecting his barrel roll.”

You can watch it below:

The clip has already racked up more than 280,000 views and over 20,000 likes, with people across the globe once again falling completely in love with the tiny hippo who captured hearts earlier this month after surviving unimaginable heartbreak. And if you watched the original video shared by the Trust, you’ll understand exactly why this update feels so emotional.

Earlier this May, Good Things Guy shared Bumpy’s story after the orphaned calf was found beside his mother’s body near Oloiden Resort in Naivasha, Kenya. Wildlife experts believe his mother may have died protecting him during a territorial fight, leaving the confused little calf alone beside the only safety he had ever known. The Kenya Wildlife Service Vet and Capture team rescued the tiny hippo before transferring him into the care of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where his recovery journey immediately became one of tenderness, warmth and around-the-clock love. People around the world watched through tears as Bumpy curled himself into the arms of his keeper after being bottle-fed and wrapped in blankets like a newborn baby. Keeper Simon reportedly slept beside him on the floor during his very first night, helping the traumatised calf finally feel safe enough to rest.

Now, just a few weeks later, the difference is extraordinary.

Instead of grief and confusion, Bumpy’s days are currently filled with milk bottles, swimming sessions, naps, endless affection and apparently dramatic underwater acrobatics too.

Social media has once again exploded with emotion over the newest video.

“Bumpy is such a darling, an expert in the water already! So amazing to see how he is out to enjoy life to the fullest after a tragic start. Thank you Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for what you do ”

“It’s just fabulous to see little Bumpy so settled after his traumatic start. The wonderful Keepers must find him a little bundle of joy to be with.”

“It’s heartwarming to see Bumpy thriving! Loss and grief can be difficult, but watching him embrace joy is a reminder of the power of love. Keep shining a light on his story—it’s a beautiful tribute to life and recovery.”

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has spent decades rescuing orphaned wildlife across Kenya, caring for elephants, rhinos, hippos and other vulnerable animals that have lost their families in heartbreaking circumstances. But every now and then, a story comes along that reminds the world why this work matters so much.

Bumpy has become one of those “all the feels” stories.

For more information about the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, or to “adopt” Bumpy… click here.

Sources: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

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