Tourist Attacked by Hippo on Vacation Recounts Terrifying Encounter
A Warwickshire businessman, Roland Cherry, recently survived a horrifying encounter with a hippo while on vacation in Zambia. What was supposed to be a dream holiday turned into a nightmare when Roland and his wife, Shirley, were attacked by a female hippo protecting its young calf. The incident left Roland with severe injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and deep scarring from a 10-inch bite to his stomach.
The Terrifying Encounter
The attack occurred during a tour of the Kafue River on June 25, three weeks into the couple’s holiday of a lifetime. The hippo rammed their canoe, sending Roland flying into the water “like a ragdoll.” Shirley managed to swim to safety on the riverbank, but Roland found himself at the mercy of the 1.4-tonne monster, which dragged him to the bottom of the water.
“I surfaced but my shoulder was dislocated, and I couldn’t swim. I was a sitting duck, trying to swim with one arm, which was never going to end well,” Roland recounted. The hippo grabbed him, and he thought, “oh no, what a way to go. I’m not ready to die.” Miraculously, Roland managed to scramble to shallow water, only to be grabbed again and thrown into the air for a second time.
Near-Death Experience
Despite the harrowing ordeal, Roland maintained his composure and recalled the moment he was being attacked, “I was in its jaws and I didn’t see it once – we have eye witness accounts of that happening – but I was never conscious of that. I just remember hearing Shirley calling my name and then lots of friendly arms dragging me out the water.”
Roland was eventually rescued and taken to a hospital in Johannesburg, where he spent five days before being flown back to the UK. Doctors informed him that he was lucky to survive the attack and that if his wounds had been deeper, he would not have made it.
Road to Recovery
As Roland continues to recover from his injuries, he and Shirley are raising money for Mtendere Mission Hospital, where he was initially treated. Grateful for the care he received, Roland emphasized the importance of giving back to those who helped him during his time of need.
“I’m forever in their debt, which is why I’m raising money to try and see what I can give back,” Roland expressed. “They’ve given me an awful lot, a second chance at life, and I need to give back to them.”
Despite the traumatic experience, Roland remains undeterred from returning to Africa for future safari trips. He acknowledged, “We were there to see the natural world, and we wanted to see, but I didn’t want to see that close up. I certainly don’t hate hippos – I’m not very fond of what one did to me.”
In conclusion, Roland’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of respecting animals in their natural habitats. His resilience and gratitude towards those who aided in his recovery highlight the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.