The hippo, Begi, continues his life at the Tbilisi Zoo. A recent video from the zoo, shared by JAMnews, offers a glimpse into his daily routine. Begi spends the majority of his time submerged in water, emerging only when his caretaker, Davit Kalandadze, approaches for feeding time.
He’s a particular enthusiast for snacks, with a fondness for fresh grass and, most notably, beetroot. “He really loves to snack,” Davit explains. Occasionally, when agitated, Begi will chew on the metal flooring within his enclosure, though this is infrequent, occurring perhaps only a few times annually.
Davit believes this might simply be due to his loneliness. Davit Kalandadze has been Begi’s dedicated keeper for many years. The hippo readily recognizes his voice and immediately comes to him upon hearing it, eliciting a smile from the caretaker.
This vlog from Tbilisi Zoo chronicles Begi’s life and his relationship with Davit. Begi is the zoo’s most famous resident, having gained global attention after escaping during the 2015 Tbilisi flood. Despite numerous animal fatalities during the disaster, Begi survived and now resides peacefully at the zoo.
His image while wandering through the city inspired artists and volunteers. Seven years after the flood, a monument to the hippo was erected in Mziuri Park. The Tbilisi Zoo’s history began in 1927, originating from the Caucasian Society for the Acclimatisation of Animals.
Initially spanning 70 hectares in the Vere River gorge, the zoo has since reduced to five hectares and houses approximately 1,500 animals. This video series will explore the lives of these animals, detailing their interactions and behaviors.
Topics: #tbilisi #hippo #video
Begi remains at the Tbilisi Zoo, continuing his life. A new video from the zoo, distributed by JAMnews, showcases his daily activities.