Hippopotamus swallows a 2-year- old child in a shocking incident, throws back after intervened

A 2-year-old child in Uganda had a fortunate escape after being swallowed and then spit out by a hippopotamus. The boy was playing on the margins of a lake near his house in Katwe Kabatoro when the ravenous beast seized him with its huge teeth.

An eyewitness began throwing pebbles at the hippo before it swallowed the toddler completely, prompting it to vomit the boy back up. The kid was hurried to a local clinic for medical care before being moved to a hospital in Bwera, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As a precaution, he was given a rabies vaccination before being returned to his parents.


Hippos are responsible for at least 500 deaths in Africa each year, according to research, with tusks that may be more than a foot long and a deadly assault probability ranging from 29% to 87%. This is the first time a hippo has strayed from Lake Edward and attacked a small youngster.


"This is the first such incident where a hippo strayed out of Lake Edward and attacked a young child," the Uganda Police Force said in a statement on Monday. "We want to remind all residents of Katwe Kabatoro Town Council, which is located within Queen Elizabeth National Park, to remain vigilant and always alert [park] rangers about animals that have strayed into their neighborhoods."

Hippos are one of the most hazardous animals in Sub-Saharan Africa due to their violent nature. According to National Geographic, hippos murder over 500 humans each year.

Adult hippos are the third-largest land animal after elephants and white rhinos, weighing between 1200 and 3000 Kilograms and growing to heights of 7 to 16 feet. They inhabit marshes, rivers, lakes, and swamps.

FAQ

Which is the largest Mammal on earth?
Blue Whale is the largest mammal on earth


What is the weight of Hippos?
Hippos mostly weigh between 1200 to 3000 kilograms.