Thought some of you might be interested in this post and photos from last August in Daily Mail (hope it isn't already posted somewhere else on ST!)


Shocked gamekeeper runs for his life from three ton hippo

Read more: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1208479/Shocked-gamekeeper-runs-life-ton-hippo.html#ixzz0WlkTISxF" target="_blank">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12...l#ixzz0WlkTISxF</a>

Great photos and lucky man.

An absolute idiot!

I bet that guy will keep his distance next time. Could have been a horrific outcome.

I've figured it out. The Ugandans want to beat the Kenyans in the marathon so have taken training to new heights!

I only hope they don't lable the Hippo a "problem animal" ....... what was this dude thinking!!!!

I think the answer to that is "he wasn't".

But I bet he'll be thinking next time and how fortunate for him there will even be a next time.

It almost looks like the pictures were taken with the intention to get this story. The hippo looks so nice and agile and terrifying. Thanks for the link, hummingbird.

Has anyone on this forum ever seen a hippo running? I have to admit that I haven't but it would be pretty cool to see (as long as it wasn't chasing anyone)!

Actually we chased some hippos down the river bank into the Luangwa... they are very good body surfers, and jeez, they can really jump...



Oops, did I say this?

Of course I would never ever do such bad thing.

...I was going to ask if you got pictures!

I must buy the new 1D Mk IV for making such pictures.

If such bad things would ever happen, then of course during a night game drive...

I’ve had a hippo run towards me, but that was because I was an idiot.

That must have been pretty scary but now you've got a safari "war" story. What were the circumstances?

I’ve written about it, but because of something I read some time later, I was just too much of an idiot repeat the story now. I was not just putting myself and other people in danger.

ok, glad that you weren't hurt!

...and the story would certainly start with a picture like this.

You lived to tell Nyamera. I've had hippos run away from me while in a boat or canoe and into the water at a distance.

At the old Mweya Lodge in Queen Elizabeth Nat Park, a hippo ran up the bank and trotted past the lawn furniture during an afternoon gathering. I guess the direction was toward me and the furniture for a few moments.

Hippo running is a common sight at Lebala late in the evening when you return from drive. They are out of the water and run when they are see the vehicles when grazing. Thankfully, it's not towards the vehicle.

The only exception - I saw a big Hippo Bull pose for pics out of the water.

Often; usually towards water or one bull chasing another off. They are pretty darned fast!

Imagine a hippo bull rush a boat or mekero, Ken? You fancy the mekeros?

A friend of mine from school lost his father and brother in Lake Naivasha when they were attacked by a hippo whilst fishing. Of course, they died. It was very sad but I think I've related that story before. Never take hippos lightly, pardon the pun!

Here's another Hippo related article. A croc got too close to a female hippo and calf, and took an unusual escape route (or tried to anyway).

Some amazing photos....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/...erd-hippos.html

Thanks, Predator. Amazing, indeed!!!

"Here's another Hippo related article. "

Predator, thanks for the link - incredable pics - I even felt sorry for the croc.

Glad you all are enjoying this topic, the first I've posted on ST!

The report in the link is the Daily Mail and that had the River Mara in the Serengeti which is why I didn't understand the letter regarding the River Nile. Perhaps the letter writer had read the Independant and not the report he replied to?



My understanding of crocodiles is that the jaw is weak to open (therefore you can hold it closed easily) but is one of the strongest in the animal kingdom for closing power per sq in. At least this is my understanding with the Australian Estuarine crocodile which would have similar physiology to the Nile crocodile.

Hopefully the start of many to come Ttacs!

My guess is that someone in a ruch didnt read it properly and misread/misunderstood Nile Crocodile as being a crocodile in the river Nile

Snik, I wasn't meaning you but the letter writer in the link Predator supplied who referred to the River Nile although the article clearly stated the Mara. When I read your post I was able to join the dots about why he wrote what he did.