In 2004, Tonie married a massage therapist named Shirley, who has embraced Tonie's chaotic family, which includes a daily life dominated by Jessica's presence. Now that Jessica is too big for the double bed, she has moved onto the terrace where, in between grazing, she sleeps among Tonie's dogs.

There is no strict daily routine, but certain crucial things must not be missed — such as the sweet warm coffee, which Tonie bottle-feeds her with every day, or the sweet potatoes, which she expects as treats.

Jessica requires constant attention and company, which means no holidays for Tonie and Shirley. Instead, there is a constant flow of people coming to visit Jessica to swim with her in the river, ride on her back and give her all the attention she craves.

For many who come there, it is the first time they have seen a hippo from such close quarters, not to mention touching and swimming with her.

The only time the river is out of bounds is when Jessica refuses to go swimming — a good indicator that the local crocs have moved in for the day.

Yet, Tonie will always remain her favorite. Jessica greets him with special grunts and flicking ears whenever he arrives, and follows him like a dog wherever he goes.

Ideally, at night she would like to come into the house, but now that Jessica is larger than a Jersey cow, the house is strictly out of bounds. For a while, her only chance of getting in was when Tonie and Shirley had gone out for the day and left the key in the door. Jessica perfected the art of unlocking doors with her mouth — when Tonie got home the dogs would be lying in front of the TV while Jessica snored happily in the double bed, which eventually took on a bit of a banana shape. Since then, Tonie has installed a security door to control when Jessica comes and goes.