CNN — Paul Templer, a 28-year-old tour guide in Zimbabwe, was enjoying his life conducting photographic safaris in Africa’s bush country. He had recently returned to Zimbabwe after spending time in the British army and had fallen back in love with the wildlife and natural beauty of the area. Templer took pride in his guide certification and loved showing tourists the majestic wildlife, including the territorial hippos.
However, one day Templer’s luck took a turn for the worse. His friend who was supposed to lead a canoe safari down the Zambezi River fell ill with malaria, so Templer agreed to take his place. The expedition consisted of six clients, three apprentice guides, and Templer. They encountered a pod of hippos, which wasn’t uncommon on the Zambezi. Everything seemed to be going well until one of the canoes veered off course and was attacked by a hippo.
Templer witnessed the violent attack and saw his friend being washed towards a hippo and her calf. He quickly realized he had to act fast to rescue him. With the help of another guide, Templer managed to get the clients to safety on a rock in the middle of the river. He then turned his attention to rescuing his friend, but as he approached him, he saw a wave coming towards him. He realized it was either a hippo or a crocodile, so he slapped the water with his paddle to deter the animal. However, before he could reach his friend, the water between them erupted, and Templer was suddenly pulled underwater.
Templer found himself trapped waist-deep in a hippo’s throat. He felt pressure on his lower back and tried to move, but he was stuck. He soon realized the danger he was in, as hippos have incredibly powerful bites capable of cutting a human body in half. Luckily, the hippo decided to spit Templer out, and he resurfaced gasping for air. He reunited with his friend, but their ordeal wasn’t over yet.
As Templer tried to help his friend, he was once again pulled underwater by the same hippo. This time, his legs were trapped, but his hands were free. He struggled to reach his gun but was unable to grab it due to the violent thrashing. Eventually, the hippo spit him out for a second time, and Templer resurfaced looking for his friend.
Unfortunately, there was no sign of his friend. The terrifying ordeal left Templer in shock, but he managed to escape the hippo’s grip and survive. Hippos, known for their territorial nature, are responsible for numerous attacks and deaths each year. While exact statistics are difficult to determine, studies have shown that the probability of being killed by a hippo is higher than that of a grizzly bear, shark, or crocodile attack.
Templer’s experience serves as a reminder of the dangers that exist in the wild, even in seemingly idyllic environments. Despite the risks, he continues to have a deep appreciation for Africa’s beauty and wildlife.