The True Tarzan Raised By African Animals Was Actually A Girl

Meet Tippi Degré, the real-life Tarzan! Raised amongst wild animals in the African jungle for ten years, Tippi’s incredible story has taken the world by storm. Documentaries, a book, and childhood pictures have left people amazed and intrigued by the tales of her adventures. 

Tippi Degré was born in Namibia in June 1990 to a French couple, Sylvie Robert and Alain Degré. Named after the actress Tippi Hedren of Hitchcock’s, The Birds, her parents had something unique in mind for her upbringing. They wanted her to be raised in the African wilderness, amongst wild animals. 

Many parents would consider Sylvie’s decision to raise Tippi in the wild insane, yet she had no regrets. Living in the wild with animals and not many humans, Tippi had an incredibly unique childhood – playing with monkeys and taking caution not to frighten the elephants! 

From a young age, Tippi had a special connection with wild animals. Despite her young age, her parents knew that she was fearless and willing to interact with the huge beasts. As a toddler, she was able to adapt and assimilate to their lives, and even believed that they were her size and her friends. 

At just 10 months old, Tippi was already up and walking around, an astonishing feat usually not seen until much later in a baby’s life. Unlike most kids, instead of learning to look both ways before crossing the street, Tippi had to worry about wild animals attacking her.

Tippi’s life was a bit unusual, but she was used to it. Raised in the jungle, she was surrounded by wild animals and had mastered survival instincts early on. But the most memorable of her many animal encounters were with Mufasa, a lion cub she befriended when she was just a baby. 

Sylvia and her parents were determined to make sure their child was safe at all times. With no regrets, Sylvia’s parents decided then to raise their daughter, Tippi, in the Kalahari Desert. Sylvia felt it was an incredible opportunity for her daughter since she was exposed to things she couldn’t have experienced living in a city. 

Tippi, as a one-year-old toddler, had an incredible bond with an elephant named Abu. Although the elephant was huge and could have been intimidating, Tippi wasn’t scared. Instead, she just looked at him, played with him, and spoke to him. This momentous meeting was the start of a strong bond between the two, and it was made possible because of Tippi’s willingness to explore the world around her. 

Tippi’s kindergarten experience was anything but ordinary. Instead of a classmate, she became best friends with a leopard called J&B. After his mother’s death, J&B was adopted by a local farmer and developed a strong bond with Tippi. Despite the leopard’s killer instincts, he was incredibly calm around the young girl. 

Tippi was born to be different. Raised in the jungle, she had a special gift – the ability to communicate with animals in a way most humans couldn’t. It was a superpower that she believed everyone was gifted with, and she was determined to use it to her fullest potential.

Tippi was no ordinary little girl. From an early age, she had an incredible bond with animals, a connection that was far more powerful than most her age. Unlike most kids, who may be scared of the bugs or frogs, Tippi was comfortable around all creatures, even the gross and slimy ones! 

Tippi seemed to be having a blast riding an ostrich, but is it really worth the risk? Ostriches are known to be extremely fast, reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, and can be dangerous if cornered – their kicks have been known to even kill lions. 

Tippi Degré’s childhood was an adventure like no other. Growing up in the jungles of Africa, she had the opportunity to make friends with the locals, including the Bushmen and the people of the Himba tribe in Kalahari. Not only did she learn how to speak their language, she also picked up a few survival skills like how to use a bow and arrow and how to live off of roots and berries. 

Tippi was a true princess of the jungle. She was accepted and embraced by the children of local tribes with no hesitation. Her mother, Sylvia, recalled the moment when she saw these children around her daughter. “Within two minutes, Tippi was the clown and everyone found her so cute”. 

Tippi’s family decided to take a trip to the Seabird Islands off the coast of South Africa, one of the most important breeding sites for coastal birds. Tippi, only six years old at the time, had a special connection with the animals. This picture captures the moment she was able to become one with the flock, with her arms outstretched as if in a magical embrace. 

Tippi’s love for animals is undeniable, as is evident in this heartwarming photo. Most kids would be terrified at the sight of a snake, but not Tippi! Not only did she let the snake play with her, it even gave her a kiss. 

Tippi’s naptime is far from ordinary – she takes cuddling up with wild animals to a whole new level! Most kids would be terrified of the idea, but Tippi takes it in her stride. Not only does she play with lions, leopards, and other wild animals, she actually takes naps with them! 

Tippi is not like the average zoo visitor – she fearlessly feeds wild Zebras! Growing up surrounded by animals, they are almost like siblings to her. You can see Tippi and the Zebra enjoying an afternoon snack, both calm and collected. It’s amazing how food can be a universal way to make friends with any species. 

Tippi’s childhood was filled with animals, but when she grew up and found her interests, she decided to pursue a career in the cinema instead of veterinary medicine. It may have been a surprising choice, but with the animal knowledge she acquired over the years, it’s not entirely unexpected. 

Tippi’s photo of her riding an elephant is nothing short of amazing! Wrapped around its trunk, their bond of love, trust, and respect is undeniable. Though the animal can be dangerous, the picture captures the innocence and admiration between them. It’s one of the most adorable sights you’ll ever see! 

Tippi’s incredible journey took an unexpected turn when she was welcomed into the elephant herd. Despite their size, the elephants had no problem giving Tippi a ride on their trunks and allowing her to join in the fun of bathing in the local pond. 

Tippi had an unconventional upbringing, unlike most girls. Rather than wearing dresses like  other kids, she opted for loincloths and befriended animals. Instead of having a purse, she had a suitcase made from local trees. While other girls snuggled with stuffed animals, Tippi experienced the real deal. 

It’s every kid’s dream to play with monkeys and for Tippi, it was a regular day! Not only did she have the local tribe children as her friends and playmates, but she also had adorable monkeys. As one of the smartest animals in the animal kingdom, these monkeys have a special connection with Tippi. 

Tippi’s education was far from conventional, with her parents choosing to homeschool her in the wild environment of the jungle. This didn’t just mean she watched animals interact on TV, but she was able to learn life lessons from their behaviors. For instance, the incredible patience and determination of a turtle can be a great example for us all. 

Witness a world of wonder as you come face-to-face with the African Elephant – the largest land animal on the planet! Towering up to 8.2-13 feet in height and weighing up to an astonishing 2.5-7 tons, these majestic creatures use their trunks for communication and to handle objects. 

Living a childhood that most of us can only dream of, Tippi is the envy of the world. Thanks to her parents, a couple of wildlife documentary makers, we are able to get a glimpse into her life in the wild. 

Tippi’s story of harmony and friendship with animals is unique. Unlike many zoos, circuses, and other entertainment venues that have been criticized for mistreating animals, 

Tippi has an extraordinary connection with animals. From the cute and fluffy to the gross and scary, she loves them all without discrimination. This photo shows her kissing a slimy reptile, something which most parents would advise their children to stay away from. 

Tippi’s childhood was unique compared to most, as she spent much of her time in the jungle wearing nothing but a loincloth or other light materials to stay cool in the hot African sun. With no shopping opportunities in the jungle, clothes were not a priority. 

At just 12 years old, Tippi had the opportunity to make documentaries for the Discovery Channel in the African jungle. Although her mom Sylvia described the experience as wonderful, Tippi had a different view. She found it to be hard work and quite tiring. 

Tippi is a truly remarkable young girl who had unbelievable childhood experiences with wild animals. Despite how it may have seemed, her parents were quick to reassure everyone that many of the animals were tamed by local farmers and would not harm her. 

Tippi was a courageous girl and her parents gave her the chance to interact with animals of all sizes and reputations. While some of them may have been dangerous, she chose to only recognize the good in them. 

Tippi’s extraordinary story of growing up in the jungle alongside hundreds of wild animals is nothing short of miraculous. Despite such close contact with potentially dangerous creatures, she has only been bitten once – by a meerkat! Her middle name, Okanti, which literally means “mongoose or meerkat” is rather ironic. 

When the world heard about Tippi, the mysterious girl raised in the African jungle, people were immediately enamored. Her story has since been documented in several films such as Le Monde Selon Tippi and Tippi en Afrique. 

Tippi’s life changed drastically when she turned 10 years old. After spending the first decade of her life living in the jungle, her family moved back to the city. The transition wasn’t easy for Tippi as she was used to sleeping with lions and waking up to monkeys. 

Tippi’s parents had a tough time when it came to helping their daughter reintegrate into society. After sending her to a local state school in Paris, it became apparent that she had nothing in common with the other kids. As a result, Tippi had to be homeschooled. To aid her in her journey to socialize, her family got her a budgie. 

Tippi feels incredibly blessed looking back on her life and wouldn’t change a thing. When she was only 10, she created a website announcing, “My name is Tippi. I am African and I was born 10 years ago in Namibia.” Unlike Tarzan, Tippi’s story is true, and she wanted to become an ambassador for her homeland. 

Tippi spent her childhood living with wild animals in the jungle, but she eventually adjusted to regular society. She attended public school and LA Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris, where she studied film. After graduating, she was last reported supervising and handling tigers at Fort Boyard. 

You may find it hard to believe, but Tippi isn’t the only case of a child being raised by animals. Take Marina Chapman for example who was believed to have been kidnapped and abandoned. Fortunately, she found refuge with a group of monkeys, who took care of her for five years and taught her how to catch birds and rabbits with her bare hands. 

Tippi’s childhood was like no other. Unlike other feral children, she was raised in the jungle intentionally and happily. She was surrounded by nature and had a worry-free life. Her upbringing was nothing short of magical, and she looks back at it very fondly. 

Tippi’s childhood was filled with wonderful memories, and her parents knew it was only a matter of time before she returned to Namibia. Since moving back to France, Tippi has dedicated her time to protecting wildlife and bridging cultural gaps.