Meet Mars (aka ‘Mars Attacks’, aka ‘Mars Potato Jones’, aka ‘The Cutest’) Did I mention that Mars is a 3-month-old pygmy hippo? Oh, let me tell you! He’s cute as can be, and a celebrated addition to this critically endangered species.

“I’m just a baby!” Mars declares.

Mars became an internet sensation at birth, thanks to the Tanganyika Wildlife Park’s social media efforts. The goal? To raise awareness of the endangered status of the pygmy hippopotamus. How? The park’s contest to name the ‘new arrival’ provided a bit of fun and increased engagement, but that wasn’t it.

The rocket-like rise to fame was the baby hippo’s doing, with his silly personality and his refusal to leave the watering hole at the encouragement of the notorious “Sheriff Soggy Socks,” – aka keeper Ellie – or the infamous “One-socked Lady,” – aka keeper Sierra. And then there’s Mars’ proclivity for snack-fueled zoomies… alternating with coma-like naps.

Mars, a viral phenomenon and bundle of sass, is responsible for me heading out on a 5-day, 1,885 mile safari-themed adventure to Goddard, Kansas.

We packed up the new (to us) Ford Transit Connect, with sleeping bags atop a memory foam mattress and a picnic basket filled to the brim with snacks. It was time for a classic road trip, from Ohio to Kansas, with a curious mixture of stops along the way. It would have been about 13 hours, if we’d headed straight to Tanganyika Wildlife Park, but there’s so much to see along the way. (See below, for a link to another blog that chronicles the adventures of getting to Goddard, KS.)

In the age of the internet you never know what’s going to go viral, but whoever manages Tanganyika Wildlife Park’s social media efforts deserves a raise. In the style of old-school, traditional nature videos we benefit from an aloof narrator’s voiceover, talking through Mars’ every adventure at the park. Swimming. . . napping. . . eating. . . zooming. . . it’s all caught on video.

• “Observe as Mars maneuvers beneath the water. Some call it chaos; he calls it self-expression.”
• “Mars approaches the water’s edge with the seriousness of a predator. He’s not hunting prey, of course, only vibes.”
• “Fueled by snack time and an excess of confidence, Mars becomes a blur of pygmy hippo energy.”

Why would I drive so far for what sounds like a zoo, when there are great zoos in Ohio and Illinois, to name a few spots? Well, have you seen him? He’s seriously cute! Even more, Tanganyika offers a Wildly Different Animal Experience: “From feeding the giraffes, swimming with the penguins, interacting with the lemurs, and so much more!  We create wow moments and make memories through hands-on animal experiences that inspire stewardship of animals.” (Tanganyika Wildlife Park website)

Feeding Encounters at Tanganyika: 

• Reticulated giraffe
• Indian rhino (scheduled time)
• Pygmy hippo (scheduled time)
• Ringtailed lemur
• Sulcata tortoise
• Rainbow lorikeets
• Domestic rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Kangaroo walkabout (touching only)

With your ticket price, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks are included. Iced coffee hit the spot on a late summer day. Having someone else take care of meals, experiences, and animal ‘meet & greets” allowed us to just show up and enjoy the day at whatever pace we pleased. We were door busters, as you can imagine, but we were not the first ones there. We chatted in line with other Mars lovers who had traveled in from Chicagoland. The Mars fan club, known as ‘Mission Control’ was well represented.

The keepers at Tanganyika get lots of questions, online and at the park, about Mars’ family.

His mom, Posie, is currently by his side, as Mars continues to nurse even while he’s trying out treats like leaves, carrots, and an occasional log. He’s a hungry, hungry hippo, after all!

Pygmy hippos are solidary creatures in the wild. I overheard a visitor ask how long Mars and Posie would stay together. “She’ll let us know,” the keeper replied. Posie will stop spending so much time with Mars and seek solitude once he’s old enough to be on his own. For now, they are an adorable pair that are out and about from 12 noon – 4 pm daily.

His dad, Pluto, is happy to keep to himself. He alternates indoor time, including access to a large pool and feedings, with time outside. His own fans can book special experiences to interact with him through feedings and creating art together. He spends the mornings outside, swimming and doing other hippo ‘things,’ then the space is turned over to Posie and Mars.

“I have a saying, ‘Touch the heart, teach the mind,’” said Hanna, “Unless you can touch people’s hearts and allow them to see this living thing, why would they want to save it?”

Jungle Jack Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo

We drove to Kansas for Mars, but all the animal encounters are touching, bringing visitors closer to the conservation and educational mission of the park. Connecting in real life with these amazing creatures created bonds. Those experiences bring the lives of these animals into full color and sharp focus. I didn’t need convincing, but a trip to Tanganyika made my heart swell. The ticket price was 1,000% worth it, to be up close and personal with so many critters.

I especially enjoyed entering the enclosure with the mob of kangaroos, also called a troop or a court of kangaroos. Early in the morning we watched that couple from Chicagoland spending time with just the keeper and the kangaroos. They mingled with moms and their sweet little joeys, young enough to alternate their time in and out of mom’s pouch. We assumed that the visitors had paid extra for this experience. Nope – it’s included!

Once we learned that we were free to enter and interact with the kangaroos did! We followed all the rules, approaching them from the front, so as not to startle them, and respecting any kangaroos that were congregated in the center of the enclosure. That’s their ‘safe space’ where they know they will not be bothered by visitors.

The kangaroos ate and napped, chased and played. The brash bravery of a joey is fun to watch, as one faces off against full-grown kin. It’s a case of the little one not realizing he’s so little, all the while knowing that the safety of mom’s pouch isn’t far away. It reminds me of cartoons from the 1900s, with an Australian kangaroo ready to take on Tom, in an episode of ‘Tom & Jerry’ called “He’s Right Behind You” (linked below).

The joey will soon be too big for hiding behind mom’s skirt, and she’ll give him the boot.

I can’t say enough about the staff at Tanganyika – knowledgeable, caring, and taking to social media with a sense of humor. Their love of the animals is apparent. Their care for visitors, ensuring they have a memorable experience, is on display. Their willingness to be a little silly themselves, on social media, is endearing. The animals are ‘at home’ with their keepers, who clearly want what’s best for them.

If it hasn’t been said already, I strongly suggest a visit. The park does close for the winter, but there are discounted passes during fall hours and the animals will be there to educate and entertain in the spring. I hope you’ll make the trip!

“Become an Advocate: Tell your friends and family about your experience by sharing on social and leaving a review. Whether you buy a season pass and return all season long, make us a yearly tradition, or become a supporter of our foundation. We can’t wait to see you again.” (Tanganyika Wildlife Park website)

Join me on my next adventure,

~ Kat

Related Links:

Tanganyika Wildlife Park (Goddard, KS): https://twpark.com/

A Guide to Tanganyika: An All-Inclusive Destination: https://twpark.com/blog/a-guide-to-tanganyika-an-all-inclusive-destination/

Tanganyika on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanganyikawildlifepark

‘Jungle Jack’ Hanna: Zoos are vital, not torture, for animals: https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/2016/08/13/jungle-jack-hanna-zoos/7716663007/

Cartoon Kangaroo – Tom & Jerry – “He’s Behind You”: https://youtu.be/iodlOl20nxM?si=EqGMvBq5PZIjNhqm