I was swallowed whole by a hippo - it crushed my chest and chewed my arm to a pulp
A safari guide recounts his harrowing encounter with a hippo that attacked him near Victoria Falls, causing severe injuries.
Paul Templer, a 27-year-old safari guide, experienced a terrifying encounter with a massive bull hippo while guiding tourists near Victoria Falls. Despite being an experienced guide who recognized the approaching hippo, he was unprepared for the brutal attack that ensued. The hippo not only bit through his chest but at one point swallowed him whole, demonstrating the animal's immense power and ferocity.
Hippos, often misunderstood as cute and friendly creatures, are actually one of Africa's most dangerous mammals. They are incredibly territorial and possess the strongest bite of any land animal. Their ability to swim faster than humans in water and outrun them on land makes encounters like Templer's exceptionally perilous. This incident highlights the need for respect and caution when engaging in wildlife tours in regions where hippos are prevalent.
Templer's experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers safari guides face in the wild and the importance of understanding animal behavior. His survival story not only underscores the physical threat posed by hippos but also raises awareness about wildlife safety for both guides and tourists alike.