Hippo horror: St Lucia tourist cheats death
Here's another human learning why you don’t provoke a hippo! Just how
deadly is a hippo? Here are the top five most lethal animals in Africa.
Another day, another reckless encounter with one of St Lucia’s most dangerous residents.
No, it’s not a tourist with bad parking skills.
A video has gone viral showing a group of people in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, provoking a hippo.
Yes, a hippo. You know, those massive, deceptively cute animals that can outrun you, outswim you, and if you’re not careful, flatten you.
In the clip, you see the group edging closer to the hippo, seemingly harassing it.
Unsurprisingly, the hippo decides it’s had enough and charges, knocking one of the guys flat.
Luckily, everyone managed to walk away unharmed. Although, this could’ve ended a lot worse.
Locals and wildlife lovers quickly took to the comments to condemn their behaviour.
“It’s crazy. There are warning signs all over St Lucia. Guesthouse owners warn their guests. But yet, some people just don’t listen,” said Debbie Patten.
Danie Erasmus added: “St Lucia belongs to the animals. You enter their territory, keep your distance.”
“I know a local who lost part of his leg in a hippo encounter. It’s no joke,” Cheryl Kruger warned.
St Lucia News responded to East Coast Radio stating, "There have been a number of close calls recently and it's alarming how many chances visitors take. People need to be educated on how to handle encounters with wild animals and this is a great start. St Lucia loves our hippos. The people featured in this video were asked to leave St Lucia by authorities. We don't want our hippos becoming more aggressive due to irresponsible viewing. We love our townies as they are affectionately called."
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Honestly, they’re right. St Lucia is home to one of the largest free-roaming hippo populations in South Africa.
These animals aren’t just part of the scenery; they’re wild, unpredictable, and deserve respect.
According to recent studies, hippos are responsible for around 3,000 human deaths per year in Africa, making them one of the continent’s deadliest large animals.
Believe it or not, they’re not at the top of the list.
Here’s a quick look at the five animals responsible for the most human fatalities in Africa:
Top 5 deadliest animals in Africa
5. Lions
The apex predators of the African wild. While
humans aren’t their natural prey, lions are estimated to kill around 200
people a year.
4. Nile crocodiles
Found in almost every major river and many lakes across Africa, Nile crocodiles are known for their aggressive nature.
They account for an estimated 300 deaths per year, making them the continent’s most dangerous freshwater predator.
3. Elephants
The
largest land animals on earth can be surprisingly unpredictable. Older
bulls, young males, and mothers with calves can become extremely
aggressive.
Elephants cause around 500 human fatalities annually, mostly through trampling and crushing.
2. Hippopotamus
Often underestimated because of their herbivorous diet, hippos are highly territorial and aggressive.
They’re responsible for an estimated 3,000 deaths every year, making them the deadliest large animal in Africa.
1. Mosquito
Tiny but deadly, the mosquito is by far the most dangerous animal in Africa and the world.
In sub-Saharan Africa alone, mosquitoes transmit a range of fatal diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus.
This makes mosquitoes the deadliest animal, causing around one million deaths every year.
So while that hippo in St Lucia might look like a lazy giant, it’s not something you want to mess with.
Pro tip? If you’re lucky enough to spot a hippo in the wild, admire it from a safe distance.
Snap your pics. Take your videos, but never provoke a wild animal. It’s dangerous for you and them.
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