Who Was the Hippo That Ate His Owner? The Tragic Tale of Marius Els
The tragic story of Marius Els serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of keeping wild animals as pets. This article explores the background of the incident and the circumstances leading to the death of Els, ultimately answering the question: Who was the hippo that ate his owner?
The Allure of the Exotic: Marius Els and His Hippo, Humphrey
Marius Els, a South African farmer, gained international notoriety for adopting a five-month-old hippo calf he named Humphrey. Els claimed he “rescued” Humphrey after finding him abandoned on the banks of the Vaal River. He raised the hippo on his farm, often swimming with him, riding him, and even brushing his teeth. Els believed he had formed a unique bond with the animal and dismissed concerns about the inherent dangers of owning such a creature. He often stated that Humphrey was like a son to him.
The Dangerous Reality: Hippos are Not Pets
Hippos are widely considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Their immense size, powerful jaws, and unpredictable nature make them a significant threat to humans. Even in zoos, where they are kept in controlled environments, hippos require specialized care and pose risks to keepers. The idea of a domesticated hippo is, to put it mildly, misguided. Their powerful jaws can inflict devastating injuries, and their aggressive tendencies, particularly when protecting their territory or young, are well documented.
The Inevitable Tragedy: Marius Els’ Death
In 2011, the relationship between Els and Humphrey took a tragic turn. Marius Els was found dead in the Vaal River, with severe bite wounds consistent with a hippo attack. Authorities concluded that Humphrey was responsible for Els’ death. The incident highlighted the folly of Els’ belief that he could tame a wild animal with such unpredictable and potentially lethal instincts. While Els clearly cared for Humphrey, he underestimated the primal nature of the animal.
The Aftermath: What Happened to Humphrey?
Following Els’ death, Humphrey’s fate was uncertain. There were concerns about public safety and the possibility of the hippo causing further harm. Ultimately, Humphrey was sold at auction to a private game farm in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. This decision aimed to provide the hippo with a more natural environment while minimizing the risk to humans. The tragic story of Marius Els serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of attempting to domesticate wild animals.
Key Takeaways From The Marius Els Incident
- Wild animals are inherently unpredictable: Their instincts can override any perceived bond with humans.
- Size and strength matter: Hippos possess the physical capabilities to inflict fatal injuries.
- Dominance and territory: Hippos are territorial animals and can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if their space is invaded.
- Respect for wildlife: Wild animals should be observed and appreciated from a distance, not treated as pets.
FAQs
Who was the hippo that ate his owner?, and what prompted the attack?
The hippo involved was Humphrey, raised by South African farmer Marius Els. While it is impossible to definitively know what triggered the attack, it is speculated that it could have been due to territorial aggression, hormonal changes, or a perceived threat from Els.
Did Marius Els have any prior warnings about keeping Humphrey?
Yes, conservation officials and animal experts repeatedly warned Marius Els about the inherent dangers of keeping a hippo as a pet. They cautioned him that Humphrey’s wild instincts could surface at any time, regardless of their perceived bond.
What was Marius Els’ background and experience with animals?
Marius Els was a farmer with experience in raising livestock. However, his experience was primarily with domesticated animals, not with dangerous wild species like hippos. This lack of specialized knowledge likely contributed to his underestimation of the risks involved.
How old was Humphrey the hippo at the time of Marius Els’ death?
Humphrey was approximately four years old at the time of the incident. This age is significant because hippos reach sexual maturity around five years old, which can often lead to increased aggression.
Are hippos commonly kept as pets in South Africa?
No, keeping hippos as pets is extremely rare and generally discouraged in South Africa. They are considered dangerous wild animals and require specialized permits and facilities, which are difficult to obtain.
What were the specific injuries sustained by Marius Els?
Marius Els sustained multiple severe bite wounds to his torso and legs, consistent with a hippo attack. The sheer force of a hippo’s bite can cause catastrophic damage.
Did the authorities consider euthanizing Humphrey after the attack?
Euthanasia was considered, but ultimately rejected. Instead, the decision was made to sell Humphrey to a private game farm, hoping to provide him with a suitable environment while minimizing the risk to public safety.
What lessons can be learned from this tragic incident?
The primary lesson is that wild animals should be treated with respect and kept in their natural habitats. Attempting to domesticate or form close bonds with dangerous species is often a recipe for disaster.
Could the attack have been prevented?
Yes, the attack could almost certainly have been prevented if Marius Els had heeded the warnings of experts and allowed Humphrey to live in a more natural environment.
Are there any other documented cases of hippos attacking humans in similar situations?
While not common, there have been other reported incidents of captive hippos attacking humans. These cases underscore the inherent dangers of keeping such animals in close proximity to people.
What happened to the Marius Els’ farm after his death?
The fate of Marius Els’ farm following his death is not widely publicized, but it likely changed ownership and management.
How do experts recommend interacting with hippos in the wild?
Experts recommend observing hippos from a safe distance, preferably from a vehicle or boat. It is crucial to avoid approaching them closely, especially near water sources where they are most vulnerable and territorial. The key is to give them ample space and respect their natural behavior.