Villagers say a lone hippo is attacking canoes in the country's southeast. A rescue sounds like a courageous thing to attempt, but it was risky since man vs hippo is not what you might call a good matchup. Accuracy and availability may vary. Researchers say it reveals how food insecurity can spread disease. Adult hippos can weigh up to 8,000lbs and grow larger than a … Soon after the hippos fell ill, people started getting sick, too. River guide Paul Templer had a bad day at the office some 17 years ago when he was mauled by a hippopotamus. Be sure to tag us @TheWorld on Twitter so we can see your post! We just need 578 more donors to reach our goal! In central Africa, a hippopotamus has been terrorizing people on the upper reaches of the Congo River. Hippos Save Wildebeest from Crocodiles - Amazing Animals Save Other Animals Transcript for US woman badly injured after hippo attack in Zimbabwe river vacation scare for an American couple traveling in Africa. Hippos are particularly dangerous when they’re in shallow water or if they have children. "In the midst of this I guess with the adrenalin coursing everything slowed down so when we went under water I would hold my breath, and when we were on the surface I'd suck in air and all the while I figured out that if I held onto the tusks that were boring into me that my flesh wouldn't tear so much when he shook me about," he says. Aleppo (/ ə ˈ l ɛ p oʊ / ə-LEH-poh; Arabic: ﺣَﻠَﺐ ‎ / ALA-LC: Ḥalab, IPA: ) is a city in Syria, which serves as the capital of the Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. Show how much you care for The World by donating today. Villagers say a lone hippo is attacking canoes in the country's southeast. Templer told the BBC he was paddling along the current with three other apprentice guides. It’s #GivingTuesday! Soon after the hippos fell ill, people started getting sick, too. In Zambia, some people were so hungry that they risked their health to eat hippo meat infected with anthrax. Between August and September of 2011, at least 85 hippos … Thank you for your support. Mean adult weight is around. The herbivores are extremely territorial. A few years ago in Zambia, hippos were dropping dead by the dozens. Paul Templer is living proof that your life can change in an instant… and when it does, if you want to… you get to choose what’s possible and what happens next. Well to make a long story short, Paul Templar was half swallowed by a two-ton hippo, spit out, and lived to tell the tale. A Florida couple was on a canoe tour when a mother hippo attacked the woman in an attempt to protect her calf, a source close to the family said. Between August and September of 2011, at least 85 hippos … Donate today to help keep our coverage free and open to all. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record. A SAFARI guide reveals how he survived an attack from a “monster” hippo who swallowed him head first and threw him around like a “rag doll.” Paul Templer, 49, … BEAUBIEN: A fisherman named Alungu Mishikulu says he was coming down the river from the town of Bukhama after selling a load of dried fish when he first saw the hippo. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies and Privacy Policy. Support The World today. In his wake, the broken canoe, the people's bodies and their few possessions were strewn in the water. This week, we are featuring Louder than A Riot, an incredible new podcast from NPR Music. A few years ago in Zambia, hippos were dropping dead by the dozens. They already face the challenges of daily life in a remote region plagued by violence from rogue militias and outbreaks of disease. Between August and September of 2011, at least 85 hippos died in a game management area along the South Luangwa River near the … "I was leading a canoe safari and things had been going rather well until all of a sudden there was a huge whoosh behind me I turned just in time to see one of the canoes in our armada getting attacked by a hippopotamus and unfortunately one of my guides got thrown into the river and so my job was to go and get him out," Templer says. "At one point he did spit me out far enough that one of the chaps on our trip, a guide who I knew quite well, Mike, just showed exceptional bravery and he paddled in and I was able to grab on to his boat and he dragged me out.". Remembering Diego Maradona, a leftie on the field — and in politics, British comedian becomes third person in 90 years to solve difficult literary puzzle. It's the source of Victoria Falls, a thundering waterfall that's more than twice as high as Niagara Falls by the way. Well to make a long story short, Paul Templar was half swallowed by a two-ton hippo, spit out, and lived to tell the tale. Soon after the hippos fell ill, people started getting sick, too. So for a moment there on the Zambezi he was in the mouth of the hippo. Although hippos don’t usually attack humans without a reason, they can be dangerous if they feel threatened, so it’s important to know how to deal with one. Paul Templer, formerly a river guide who takes tourists down the Zambezi river near Victoria Falls along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, … There are no accurate statistics, but many wildlife experts rate the hippo as the most lethal animal in Africa, killing more people each year than the more commonly feared lions, crocodiles, and elephants. "I could feel the water around my legs. Copyright © 2006 NPR. Hippopotamus mostly submerged (Photo: Wiki Commons). Things go horribly wrong for a safari guide on the Zambezi River when he comes face-to-face with a rogue hippo. A week later, the hippo was back attacking canoes. People who live along this part of the Congo River hope that their Osama won't be on the loose for as long as the al Qaeda leader has been. Hippopotamus partially submerged (Photo: WIKI), "It had started as a just a beautiful day in Africa just above Victoria Falls," Templer says. A few years ago in Zambia, hippos were dropping dead by the dozens. "As I was leaning over to grab a hold of him, the hippo burst up out of the water and plucked me cleanly out of my canoe.". How Mayorkas might shape US immigration policy during the Biden administration, Climate change deeply affects the entire planet — including Mount Everest, France's former 'Bling-Bling President' Sarkozy in court on corruption charges. All the hunting missions failed. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by Verb8tm, Inc., an NPR contractor, and produced using a proprietary transcription process developed with NPR. A few years ago in Zambia, hippos were dropping dead by the dozens. Professor William Barklow was on vacation when this happened. He was in Tanzania sitting on a river bank gazing about, when all of a sudden a hippopotamus … Hippos, it turns out, do a wave. JASON BEAUBIEN: On this day we're paddling near the headwaters of the Congo River. He's believed to be a male, although no one has really gotten a good look at him. On the day of the attack, there was no sign of the hippo. This river in southern Africa partly forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. BEAUBIEN: Like Osama bin Laden, he makes these attacks, Zayeed says. November 17, 2020 • Rhyme and punishment go hand in hand in America. A mild-mannered theater professor attempts to stage a controversial play in a small East Texas town. Between August and September of 2011, at least 85 hippos … Will there be a monument to victims of the coronavirus pandemic? He was born in Africa, amidst war and strife. For today only, if you give to The World and share your donation on Twitter you’ll receive a personal shoutout tweet from Marco! Moth stories are true, as remembered by the storyteller and always told live. I was 27 and owned a business taking clients down the Zambezi river near Victoria Falls. Hippo / Hippopotamuses are among the largest living land mammals, being only smaller than elephants and some rhinoceroses. Always stay far away from hippos, since they can get aggressive if you enter their territory. A few years ago in Zambia, hippos were dropping dead by the dozens. For today only, if you give to The World and share your donation on Twitter you’ll receive a personal shoutout tweet from Marco! BEAUBIEN: It was 7:00 in the morning, Mishikulu says. It’s #GivingTuesday! A visitor feeds a hippo at the Napoles Park in Puerto Triunfo, Colombia, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020. (paultempler via YouTube) He was swallowed whole by a hippopotamus … Between August and September of 2011, at least 85 hippos … Those who have been hunting for the animal have named him after another fugitive terrorist, Osama Bin Laden. Donate $100 or pledge $8.33/month to receive an invite to a virtual party with Marco Werman and The World team! That's why they call him that, Zayeed laughs. Osama the Hippo is always spotted alone. To learn more, review our Cookie Policy. Back on the Congo River, Zayeed says his father's hunting party couldn't find footprints or any other sign of Osama, and eventually gave up. We Insist: A Timeline Of Protest Music In 2020. Hippos are common to this area, but locals say they rarely attack. But first we want you to name that river. Wilford Zayeed's (ph) father was the leader of one of the hunting parties. Hippo jaws are strong enough to snap a human in half. Tour guide Paul Templer will never forget paddling down a river in southern Africa 17 years ago. BEAUBIEN: The hippo disappeared when the hunters arrived, Zayeed says. When hippos attack, they go crazy! Winding through low-lying, lush grasslands, it serves as the main, and at times only, transportation route through the area. Garry Kasparov on how 'The Queen's Gambit' brilliantly moves chess skills to center stage. NPR's Jason Beaubien has our story. The wife was attacked by a hippo. What happened next in that close encounter with a two ton hippo is quite alarming. The attack lasted over three minutes and involved dozens of of puncture wounds, blood, and thrashing about in the water. We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. "I remember, we were sipping on our drinks, resting and taking in the peace and tranquility that comes with that late afternoon glow." From the Democratic Republic of Congo, now, we bring you the story of Osama the Hippo. He says the hippo sprang from the water, furiously attacked the canoe, then slipped back below the surface of the river. In central Africa, a hippopotamus has been terrorizing people on the upper reaches of the Congo River. The story you just read is freely available because readers like you support The World financially. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402. All in all, it was a life changing day on the Zambezi River, the answer to our Geo Quiz. From Hippo Attack Survivor to Philanthropist, Adventurer & CEO, Paul’s Story. Soon after the hippos fell ill, people started getting sick, too. He lost his mangled left arm in the hippo attack but somehow survived the ordeal. Villagers started calling the hippo Osama bin Laden, Zayeed says, because he's powerful, deadly, and elusive. Soon after the hippos fell ill, people started getting sick, too. Between August and September of 2011, at least 85 hippos … A hippo walks through the South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia, where an anthrax outbreak occurred in 2011. A few years ago in Zambia, hippos were dropping dead by the dozens. I'm about six-foot man so you can fit half a six-foot man, waist first, down a hippo's throat.". Snap Judgment for November 8, 2013. We need just 578 more donors to make it! Thank you, Paul, for sharing your story with Snap! The World is a public radio program that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter. The task of organizing hunting parties to try to shoot this hippo fell to several local chiefs. Check out Paul Templer’s memoir, What’s Left of Me. Listen to the latest episode of The Moth Radio Hour, Moth Podcast, or dip into our library of stories going back to 1997. All rights reserved. People are trying to catch him, and he's un-catch-able. Morning Edition for July 18, 2019 Hear the Morning Edition program for July 18, 2019 November 13, 2020. In fact he was inspired by the experience to devote his energy to work on behalf of terminally ill children and amputees. Then after a week, it came back again. Hear the Snap Judgment program for November 8, 2013 The hippopotamus is the world's deadliest large land mammal, killing about 500 people a year in Africa. Hear the tragic 911 call from Sandra Herald as her pet chimp, Travis, savagely attacks her friend, leaving her at death's front door. ... American tourist recovering after hippo attack. #GivingTuesday is an annual ritual that asks us all to consider how we contribute to the world around us. Soon after the hippos fell ill, people started getting sick, too. "It happened so fast the first thing I knew I was in this dank, dark place and there was this pressure crushing down on my lower back," Templer says. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. It’s a day when hundreds of thousands of us directly support the things we rely on, the things we believe in, and the things we want to ensure survive. The Congo River is only about 30 to 50 yards wide here, and it looks like an average, mid-sized waterway rather than the vast, powerful one it will become. A hippo walks through the South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia, where an anthrax outbreak occurred in 2011. Produced by Erika Lantz, original score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Snap Classic – Season 9 – Episode 25 03:00. This week, we are featuring Louder Than A Riot, an incredible new podcast from NPR Music. A full-grown male hippopotamus can weigh up to 8,000 pounds. Fatal Attractions. Kristen Yaldor said her life flashed before her eyes when she was attacked by a hippopotamus while canoeing during an African safari. Mature males often have scars across their shoulders and backs from brutal fights with their rivals. A few years ago in Zambia, hippos were dropping dead by the dozens. A farmer refuses to listen to reason, even after his Hippo has attacked his nephew and most of his cattle. Templer says he remembers frantically freeing one of his arms and feeling the whiskers of the hippo's snout. Greetings, Prophet! Listen & Share. They charge & chase boats with no fear, making it one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Pangolin smuggling: The next coronavirus time bomb? Not a get-drunk, get-crazy, paint yourself wave, but a hippo-to-hippo serial roar that moves up and down river banks in Africa. A day that encourages people to do good and inspires hundreds of millions to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity. It reveals the interconnected rise of hip-hop and mass incarceration. We're about 2,000 miles upstream from the Atlantic Ocean and more than 600 miles past Kisingani, the last significant city on the river. "And I was leading a canoe safari and things had been going rather well until a lot of sudden there was a huge whooosh behind me I turned and there was a hippopotamus.". Donate $100 or pledge $8.33/month to receive an invite to a virtual party with Marco Werman and The World team! He, or she, lives in the Congo River, and the hippo is making things very difficult and dangerous for people in the village of Bukhama. T he hippo who tried to kill me wasn't a stranger – he and I had met before a number of times. I passed by safely, but the people in the boat behind me were taken by the animal. Soon after the hippos fell ill, people started getting sick, too.