Feb 19 • 10:41 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

'The hippo swallowed me whole,' the guide recounts - how he escaped from the jaws

A tour guide survived a horrific encounter with a hippo that completely swallowed him but he lost one of his arms in the process.

In a shocking incident near Victoria Falls, situated along the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, a tour guide was attacked by a hippo which swallowed him whole. Despite the attack, he managed to escape from the hippo's jaws, but not without suffering severe injuries, including the amputation of one of his arms. This story highlights the dangers posed by hippos, which, despite their seemingly docile appearance, are considered to be one of the most dangerous mammals in Africa due to their aggressive nature and powerful bites.

Experts on African wildlife confirm that hippos are more dangerous than commonly feared predators like lions, leopards, or hyenas. This particular guide's story serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in wildlife tourism, especially in regions where encounters with these powerful animals are possible. Hippos are known to be territorial and can exhibit extreme violence when they feel threatened, which is a notable point to consider for anyone venturing into their natural habitat.

The guide, who survived the life-threatening ordeal, has recounted his experience, emphasizing the sheer strength and aggression of the hippo that attacked him. As he narrates his terrifying escape, the implications of such encounters raise awareness about human-wildlife interactions and the importance of safety measures for tourists in close proximity to potentially dangerous wildlife.

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