Embassy warns tourists to be on guard against hippos in Kenya

The Chinese Embassy in Kenya has warned travelers to be alert to dangers in visiting wildlife after a tourist from China’s Taiwan died while another was injured in an attack by a hippopotamus on the shores of Lake Naivasha.

The attack took place Saturday evening at Lake Naivasha, about 58 miles from the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. Chang Ming Chuang, 65, was with a colleague taking pictures of the hippo on the shores of the lake when the animal attacked.

A hippopotamus at Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya

The embassy’s statement said it’s important for tourists to be on guard against dangers, noting several incidents of hippos attacking Chinese here in recent years.

Tourists are urged not to get close to hippos, especially calves, or feed them because the huge mammals may attack rapidly and have a powerful bite once they feel threatened, which can include startling them with a camera flash.

The embassy also suggests tourists be mindful of wild animals in the reserve areas of Kenya such as lions, cheetahs and rhinos. Tourists are required to follow instructions of tour guides and refrain from leaving vehicles at will.

Known as one of the most dangerous animals on the planet, hippos can snap a canoe in half with their strong jaws, according to National Geographic.
Hippos kill about 500 people in Africa each year, and can run at the same speed as humans for short distances when faced with danger, the publication adds.
Country : News
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