You can never have too many friends!  The fun part is you never know who you'll become friends with or where you'll meet your next friend--around the corner, at school, in the pool, via a friend--you never know.  I came to Chimfunshi as a scared, baby hippo and now I'm the "Queen of Chimfunshi" with endless friends--from chimps to chickens.

As a young teenager, I loved nothing more than milk, hanging out with my friends and playing in the pool.  So, my dream day included being in the pool--getting by milk-- followed by a little loving from my chimp and human friends.

For me Father's Day is bittersweet since my dad, Dave, passed away.  However, it's a wonderful time remember all the fun times we shared.

Dave was a great dad--fun and caring.  He tried being tough but I knew he was a softie.  He always got a kick out me running into the house and beating the dogs to the couch.  The couch was my favorite spot to hang out with the family and sleep.  

I'm very proud of my dad.  Bet you didn't know he was responsible for designing the free-range enclosures for the chimps.  Mom and Dad gave up a portion of the ranch to do this.  When Dave first designed these enclosures in 1983, it was considered revolutionary and his enclosure design was followed by many sanctuaries.  Pretty cool!  What is one of the things that make you proud of your dad--besides everything?  Let me know. 

I may not have an ocean by me in Chimfunshi, Zambia but that doesn't mean I don't love and relate to oceans and ocean animals.  Oceans are amazing--especially to someone who LOVES water. The vastness of oceans is mind-boggling and so cool.  Plus, oceans are home to so many wonderful animals.  Do you have a favorite ocean animal?  What is it?

Can you guess my favorite ocean animal?  Hint: I think it's sort of the hippo of the ocean world.  We have some things in common--quite large, look slow but we can move quickly when we want to.  For more hippo info, view Hippo Facts.

It's a manatee!  Don't they remind you of me? Yes, no?  If no, what ocean animal reminds you of a hippo?  Let me know.  To learn more about #manatees, check out: Manatees of the Caribbean hosted by Jeff Corwin via Ocean Mysteries.

To celebrate World Oceans Day, this weekend (June 8-10, 2013) Georgia Aquarium partnered with Dr. Seuss--how cool is that.  Details: http://bit.ly/195Rm9p  Have fun!

My mom, Sheila, and my friend, Jackie, co-authored Happy Hippo Billy--about ME! 

The hippo image (me again) from book and Chimfunshi school children has Jackie involved with Sandy Hook.  Please click "Color Billy" link below for additional details.  Jackie is working diligently on getting hippos colored for Sandy Hook's six-month anniversary--June 14th--to honor them.  Even Charlie the parrot got involved!

Join Us:  Color Billy for Sandy Hook
- Visit:  http://bit.ly/ColorBilly  for details and to download cartoon drawing
- You are welcome to promote your involvement by posting colored hippos
   and/or photos of you with your colored hippo to Happy Hippo Billy Facebook.
- Help spread the word.  SHARE "Color Billy" link above with family, friends...
   Sandy Hook can never have too many friends! 

Can't wait to see your "creative" side.  Look forward to seeing "your" colored hippos and photos of you with your hippo.  Check out the hippos and photos we received on Happy Hippo Billy Facebook.  Which one is your favorite?  Let me know.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!  Don't forget, Coloring=Happy :)