Hippopotamuses may spend much of their time resting in rivers and lakes, but their calm appearance can be misleading. These massive animals are highly territorial around water and can become extremely dangerous when they believe something has entered their space.
Their enormous size and powerful jaws make them one of the animals that people should never approach closely in the wild. Even a canoe passing through the water can trigger a sudden and violent reaction if a hippo feels threatened.
Kristen Yaldor discovered just how dangerous such an encounter could become while taking part in a river safari in Zimbabwe in 2019. She and her husband were traveling by canoe when a hippo suddenly attacked from underneath the water.
The animal struck the canoe and caused it to capsize. In an instant, Yaldor was thrown into the water and found herself in a dangerous struggle with one of Africa’s most powerful animals.
The hippo grabbed her leg and began pulling her deeper underwater. With the animal holding onto her and dragging her down, Yaldor had to fight back to prevent herself from being pulled farther beneath the surface.
She began punching and kicking the hippo around its nose. The struggle continued for about 45 seconds as she fought against the animal while trying to get free.
Eventually, the hippo released her. The guides who were nearby were able to rescue Yaldor and get her away from the animal.
The encounter shows how quickly a river safari can turn into a life threatening situation. From inside a canoe, the water may appear peaceful, but a hippo beneath the surface can be difficult to see until it is already attacking.
Hippos are particularly dangerous around water because they spend much of their time in rivers and lakes. They can become highly defensive of their territory, especially when a person or boat gets too close.
For Yaldor, the danger came without much warning. The canoe was suddenly overturned, leaving her in the water with the hippo instead of safely above it.
Her response was to fight back directly when the animal grabbed her leg. Punching and kicking around its nose eventually caused the hippo to release her, giving the guides the opportunity to pull her to safety.
The incident also demonstrates why approaching or disturbing wildlife from a boat can be dangerous. A large animal below the surface may not be visible until it is close enough to strike.
What began as a river safari in Zimbabwe became a desperate fight for survival. Yaldor was pulled underwater by a hippo, but she continued fighting for roughly 45 seconds until the animal finally let go.
The guides’ presence was also crucial during the encounter. Once the hippo released her, they were able to reach Yaldor and rescue her from the water, ending an attack that had begun in only a matter of moments.
