Tragic End For Man Who Treated Hippo Like Family
People often admire animals, especially those that seem unusual or impressive. However, the truth is that very few wild animals have ever been truly domesticated, especially large ones. It’s easy to forget that some animals that appear calm or even cute can be dangerous, sometimes deadly.
One example is the hippopotamus, which may look harmless but is known for being extremely aggressive and territorial. This story is about a man who tried to keep a hippo as a pet—and how that decision ended in tragedy.
Marius Els was a South African farmer who, back in 2005, rescued a young hippo from a flood. He named the animal Humphrey, and over time, the two developed a close bond.
Pictures of Els riding Humphrey, a massive animal weighing over a ton, spread online and made headlines. To many, it seemed like a remarkable friendship between man and beast.
Els spoke about the hippo as if it were family. He once said the animal was like a son to him. Unfortunately, the very creature he cared for would eventually be the cause of his death.
In 2011, six years after the rescue, Els was found dead on his 400-acre farm in the Free State province of South Africa. Reports confirmed that Humphrey had attacked him and dragged him into the river. His body was discovered submerged in the same river where he had saved the hippo years earlier.
The man aimed to make the animal his pet after saving it from a flood.
Jeffrey Wicks, a spokesperson for Netcare 911, provided some details about what happened. Paramedics who responded to the scene found that Els had been bitten multiple times by the animal.
The body had been in the water for an unknown amount of time before being found. Since then, the story has circulated widely, especially on social media platforms like Reddit.
Many people commenting on the case pointed out just how dangerous hippos can be. One Reddit user put it bluntly: “The world isn’t like a Disney film where wild animals are friendly.”
Another shared a well-known fact about Steve Irwin, the famous wildlife expert. “Hippos are the only animals Steve Irwin was truly afraid of, not just respectful,” the user wrote.
Others expanded on the hippo’s reputation, calling it one of Africa’s deadliest animals. One user explained that hippos don’t attack because they’re hungry or only when provoked.
Instead, they are aggressive by nature and constantly on the offensive toward anything smaller than an elephant. “They don’t have an off switch,” the comment read.
“Lions might leave humans alone if they aren’t hungry, and elephants often avoid trouble unless provoked, but hippos want you dead just for existing. They’re filled with hate for no reason at all.”
Psychological Insights
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Reddit users have shared how surprisingly dangerous hippos are.
It’s a harsh truth that the hippo’s cute, bulky appearance masks a very dangerous animal. Hippos are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than most other large animals.
Their size and strength make them capable of killing boats, cars, and people with ease. Despite their terrifying nature, the story of Marius Els illustrates the complicated relationship humans sometimes try to have with wild animals.
Some want to protect and care for them, even when nature doesn’t make that easy or safe. Unfortunately, in this case, the risks were too great.
Wild animals, even those that seem familiar, remain untamed at their core. Hippos, despite any moments of calm, follow instincts that clash with human companionship, and what feels safe one minute can become deadly the next.
Approaching these powerful creatures demands deep respect, unwavering vigilance, and a clear boundary between human and animal space. By honoring their wild nature and keeping a secure distance, we reduce the risk of harm and acknowledge that some animals simply cannot adapt to life alongside people.
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