Fact Check: Are Mzee and Owen still alive?

Are Mzee and Owen Still Alive?

The claim regarding the current status of Mzee, the Aldabra giant tortoise, and Owen, the hippopotamus, has circulated widely, particularly given their fame as an unusual animal friendship. Mzee and Owen gained international attention after forming a bond in Haller Park, Kenya, following Owen's separation from his herd during the 2004 tsunami. As of the latest available information, there are questions surrounding their well-being and whether they are still alive.

What We Know

1. Background of Owen and Mzee: Owen was rescued as a juvenile hippo after being separated from his herd due to the 2004 tsunami in Sumatra. Mzee, an Aldabra giant tortoise, was approximately 130 years old at the time of their friendship's emergence 14. Their story has been documented in books and media, highlighting their unique bond 26.

2. Current Status: Reports indicate that as of November 2023, both Owen and Mzee are still alive. Dr. Paula Kahumbu, the general manager of Haller Park, stated that their relationship is thriving and improving 10. However, there are limited updates regarding their health or any specific incidents that might affect their status.

3. Media Coverage: Various sources have reported on Owen and Mzee over the years, with some articles focusing on their friendship and others on their individual well-being. For instance, a piece from the Daily Nation emphasized the ongoing warmth of their relationship 10. However, some sources, like the Wikipedia entry, provide historical context but do not offer recent updates 1.

4. Conflicting Information: Some sources, such as a general Q&A site, indicate a lack of specific information regarding their current status, suggesting that updates may not be readily available or reliable 5. This raises questions about the accuracy of claims regarding their well-being.

Analysis

The reliability of the sources varies significantly.

• Credible Sources: The Daily Nation and BBC World Service are reputable news organizations that typically provide accurate and well-researched information. Dr. Kahumbu's statements in the Daily Nation lend credibility to the claim that both animals are alive and well 10.

• Less Reliable Sources: Websites like Answers.com and Promisekit.org offer vague responses and lack recent updates, which diminishes their reliability. They do not provide verifiable information or direct quotes from credible individuals 58.

• Potential Bias: Some sources, particularly those that sensationalize the story of Owen and Mzee, may have a vested interest in promoting their narrative for entertainment or commercial purposes. This could lead to exaggeration or omission of critical details regarding their current health.

• Methodological Concerns: The absence of direct, recent observational data from zookeepers or veterinarians raises questions about the accuracy of claims regarding their status. More frequent updates from Haller Park or a dedicated wildlife organization could provide clearer insights.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

Based on the available evidence, it is accurate to state that both Mzee and Owen are still alive as of November 2023. The key evidence supporting this conclusion includes statements from Dr. Paula Kahumbu, the general manager of Haller Park, who confirmed their ongoing well-being and the thriving nature of their relationship 10. Additionally, reputable sources such as the Daily Nation and BBC World Service corroborate this information, lending credibility to the claim.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. While credible sources affirm their status, there is a lack of frequent updates or direct observational data from zookeepers or veterinarians, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of their health. Furthermore, some less reliable sources have raised questions about the accuracy of claims regarding their well-being, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting information.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the context in which it is presented, especially regarding the well-being of these notable animals.

Sources

1. Owen and Mzee - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owen_and_Mzee
2. Owen the hippo and Mzee the tortoise: A one-of-a-kind friendship. https://celebritypets.net/owen-the-hippo-and-mzee-the-tortoise-a-one-of-a-kind-friendship/
3. Heroic 130-Year-Old Tortoise Saves a Baby Hippo After Tragic Tsunami. https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/tortoise-saves-baby-hippo-6-132665/
4. How old is the tortoise Mzee? https://www.reptileknowledge.com/reptile-pedia/how-old-is-the-tortoise-mzee/
5. Is mzee and Owen alive? https://www.answers.com/general-arts-and-entertainment/Is_mzee_and_Owen_alive
6. BBC World Service - Witness History, The hippo and the tortoise. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4x87
7. Owen and Mzee. https://reptilis.net/2008/02/09/owen-and-mzee/
8. Is Owen and Mzee still alive? https://promisekit.org/2022/11/17/is-owen-and-mzee-still-alive/
9. Owen and Mzee - the story of a most amazing friendship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAaulFtyg7Q&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD
10. Rare love continues to baffle. https://nation.africa/kenya/news/rare-love-continues-to-baffle-503576