Terrifying Safari in Zambia: Man Survives Hippopotamus Attack

A British tourist narrowly survived after a horrifying encounter where a hippopotamus flipped his canoe and severely injured him by clamping down on him with its jaws, leaving him thinking he was near death. How did he escape?

Dramatic Incident on a Safari

In June 2024, what started as a peaceful canoe trip during a Zambian safari turned into a nightmare for 63-year-old British tourist, Roland Cherry. While paddling, his canoe was violently attacked by a hippopotamus, leaving him severely injured and “trapped in the animal’s jaws,” he later told the BBC.

A Terrifying Encounter

Roland sustained injuries to his leg, shoulder, and abdomen. He was “dragged to the bottom of the river” by the hippopotamus before it released him. His partner, Shirley, who had managed to swim away, watched the ordeal helplessly. Roland later admitted he thought he was going to die.

Aftermath of the Attack

Rescued and then taken to South Africa for treatment, Roland survived his injuries. A surgeon told him he had “never seen anyone survive a hippopotamus attack before.”

Despite the severity of his injuries, Roland holds no grudge against hippopotamuses and feels fortunate to have experienced life in their natural habitat.

A Dangerous Animal Despite Its Herbivorous Diet

Though herbivores and generally non-aggressive, hippopotamuses are considered the most dangerous animals, responsible for 300 to 3,000 human deaths each year. Males can grow up to 5 meters long and weigh as much as 1.8 tons.

Their bite force is three times stronger than that of a lion, a harsh reality Roland Cherry will likely never forget.