Tragic End to Affectionate Bond: South African Farmer Killed by His Pet Hippopotamus

Cape Town:In a heart-wrenching tale from South Africa, a farmer’s deep affection for a hippopotamus turned fatal when the animal, once considered a beloved pet, attacked and killed him.

According to the *Daily Star*, the hippopotamus named Humphrey was rescued as a young calf after being caught in a flood. The farmer, Maurice L, took it upon himself to raise the animal on his 400-acre farm, providing it with a large pond to live in. Maurice, a former army major, even trained Humphrey to swim alongside humans and assisted with cleaning the animal’s teeth.

Maurice referred to Humphrey as his “son,” claiming they shared a unique bond that few could understand. However, he always acknowledged the inherent danger of living with a hippopotamus, which is considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals. Despite the deep connection, Maurice recognized the risk, as hippos are responsible for over 500 human deaths annually and are known for their aggression.

Humphrey had previously displayed aggressive behavior, including scaring people close to him and even escaping from the farm. But the situation escalated on November 2011, when the animal suddenly attacked Maurice, biting him fatally. His body was discovered in the river where Humphrey had been rescued six years earlier. The tragic incident sent shockwaves through the local community and the farmer’s family.

This heartbreaking event has once again raised the issue of the dangers associated with domesticating wild and dangerous animals. Experts have repeatedly warned that wild animals, no matter how tame they may seem, should be allowed to live in their natural habitats, where they pose far less risk to humans.