I was mauled by a hippo | Life Stories

[@fabulousmag]

You can donate to their JustGiving page here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/RolandCherry

[@carlyq3488]

@@fabulousmag is this to donate to the hippo mauled couple you gotta be kidding me.....omfg!

[@glazedhippie182]

​@@carlyq3488 If you had bothered to watch the video and read the donation information before commenting, you would know that the crowdfunding is to purchase an ambulance for the local town hospital that currently doesn't have one. This could help the hospital to treat local people more efficiently in their time of need. You're welcome 🤗

[@Wootwoohyay]

No it's for the community, where they were, its to buy the local hospital and ambulance.

[@Henry-cf4oo]

​@@carlyq3488No, it's for aiding the health care centre that attended to him and possibly saved his life even with their limited resources

[@Mark-d6u3m]

She looks at him so adoringly, it's really nice to see people very much still in love.

[@Mark-d6u3m]

I love how they keep giving each other lay ups to signal switching turns speaking. They're delightful.

[@Sadkoi]

Lovely strong couple 😂

[@Swnsasy]

I was smiling at them while they spoke.. I just realized THIS is what our family talks about when they say my husband and I tell one great story... 😂😂😂

[@carolinerussell3782]

This was the most British thing I’ve ever watched and I loved it

[@shoutingfactory3694]

"Oh no, this isn't good" while being dragged to the bottom by a hippo is peak polite British 😂

[@macattack6054]

@@shoutingfactory3694 😂😂😭😭😭

[@ticket2space]

"I think they've got slight attitude issues but .." ​@@shoutingfactory3694

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

​@@shoutingfactory3694lmao reminds me of when I called an ambulance for myself when I was dying: I'm sorry to call and this is very gross but I'm bleeding to death

[@dailydoseofchrist2688]

😂😂😂facts

[@themarinman8339]

Quintessential British account of trauma. Roland could be talking about putting an ikea cupboard together with how calm and costs he talks. My new hero

[@thcluky5547]

I cursed just reading “IKEA cupboard”🤬🤣

[@BobbyJonesIII-pz1lq]

the fact this dude survived a hippo attack with no obvious visible signs of injury is remarkable

[@SoulDelSol]

His entire bottom half of his body was bitten off

[@BobbyJonesIII-pz1lq]

@SoulDelSol o word?

[@antonellaachler9980]

Canoeing in the uk and France is very different to canoeing in Africa Glad he’s ok

[@HeatheryLeathery]

It is so impressive to hear both of you talk about such a recent and traumatic incident with such calmness and to hear that you are both still interested in travel. I'm a therapist and see how impactful trauma can be and how small it can make people's worlds so it is amazing to see you both talk about this so freely and be so measured about what has happened.

[@JodyLSumrall]

They are British!

[@dianathompson8794]

Some people aren't pathetic snowflakes. . How does it help to create drama and theatrics? This is how mature adults behave.

[@HeatheryLeathery]

@@JodyLSumrall Yes but so am I and the majority of my patients. I can assure you, we don't all have a stiff upper lip!

[@kynleechapman7472]

@@JodyLSumrallwhat’s that have to do with anything?

[@dianathompson8794]

@@HeatheryLeathery maybe it's time the stiff upper lip came back, instead of all the victimhood and pity plays that have become fashionable? Life is tough. Always has been and always will be, and the sooner people learn how to cope in a real way, the easier it will be for them to get through it.

[@heartstrummer]

This couple epitomise the best qualities of being British. Kudos to the teams who took care of them particularly the Dr’s and nurses in Zimbabwe, who, no doubt, saved his life.

[@theautuitiveishere]

Someone make the joke about how they epitomise being British cause they went to Africa thinking they could do whatever they want? 😂

[@Da_bear-ij9gm]

You mean, because they invaded an area they were unfamiliar with and then acted like that was the fault of the native wildlife?

[@loliwemoyo5680]

It was Zambia.

[@Chelseabellsiee]

worst*?

[@zvaddie]

​@@loliwemoyo5680Chirundu is in Zimbabwe.

[@Krisha158]

They love each other so much. I just love how they look at each other.

[@Itsmehayleyt]

0:12 the MOST BRITISH response to a hippo attack EVER lol

[@maxcraggz4755]

Ahahaha

[@Christina_Niechwiadowicz]

🤣

[@cheyennepago9720]

It’s so polite lolol

[@britnyvirginiaa]

😂😂

[@carolleckie9041]

"Oh no, this isn’t good" is quite an understatement!

[@four-twenty4205]

😂

[@paradigmshift1979]

hippos to the left of me, crocodiles to the right... here i am stuck in the middle with you

[@CarolAngel-ur6nc]

🤣🤣 good one

[@AiJaiDeeSaMer]

They both knew that the river was occupied by crocodile and hippo but still decided to go into the river and disregard the danger. It's like jumping into a burning fire.

[@astrialindah2773]

😂😂

[@adrianrosado2223]

I totally sang that entire comment!

[@CarolAngel-ur6nc]

@@AiJaiDeeSaMer I jumped into a burning ring of fire ,sorry just couldn't resist after the other comments 🤣🤣

[@jessicahill7490]

Regardless of their decision to get in the boat and the circumstances, they walked away with a valuable lesson AND want to share their gratitude by helping to fundraise for an ambulance. ❤

[@fistosravenscroft6651]

But why would anyone canoe in a river with crocs and hippos? I will never understand this need. I mean why? A big boat trip yes, but canoe? I feel like people get so bored they seek out problems

[@carlyq3488]

Amen!

[@JT0007]

In Florida they go in canoes where there are 🐊. So dumb, and a death wish. 🫡🇺🇸

[@shelbyregisterrn108]

@@JT0007I canoe in Florida all the time and yes with gators a few times but hippos are a totally different beast. Not even a comparison.

[@JT0007]

@ why would you put yourself close to alligators? 🤷‍♂️

[@shelbyregisterrn108]

@@JT0007 because it’s honestly not that dangerous. We’ve had 30 fatal attacks since 1948 and only 450 non-fatal attacks/bites in the same timeframe.

[@samfisher2306]

Seeing a man talking after a Hippo attack is nothing short of a Miracle. I once saw a flood on the news in U.S where people were handily helping Zoo loose Hippos out of mud the flood carried. I couldn't believe my eyes!

[@Swnsasy]

I freaking love these two!! They are telling this insane and scary story with such happiness and prim and proper recall 😂❤I love it

[@littlemissliv100]

HOW ARE THEY SO CALM??! I would be so traumatized

[@ItsAllFakeAndGhey]

That’s called British denial 😂

[@traditionalgirl5585]

I was chomped by a hippo, darling, oh dear.

[@joribremer5260]

I think Animal attacks are different..

[@dakinwarfield6094]

@@traditionalgirl5585😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Sparkle3421]

They probably sat down and had a nice cup of tea 😂 ( I’m British , but NOT this way lol )

[@fintanduffyable]

Very lucky to be able to give this interview, hippos do not mess around hope they live long healthy lives

[@jaryd12345]

I love the understatement “and I thought ‘oh no, this isn’t good’ That’s the thought I have if I burn my toast 😂

[@Naominoz]

I did a similar trip down the Zambezi and we were well aware that there were hippos everywhere.Our guide was constantly on his binoculars checking for hippos and I still remember him shouting “Dig in , row to the right”. The guides know the river and know what signs to look out for, but it is impossible to know exactly where the hippos are. That is part of the adventure of the trip and definitely an adrenaline activity where you are aware of the danger. It still remains one of my best holidays. I am so sorry this happened to you and it would have been live changing and traumatic. Don’t blame the guides though, as there are no guarantees on such a trip (or most adventure trips). Even skiing down a mountain has dangers involved.

[@dianathompson8794]

Well said. There are no guarantees. I have also been in a canoe with hippos and crocs around. Not the Zambezi though, it was the Chobe River.

[@carlyq3488]

@@Naominoz Rediculous water with hippos......you get eaten......period.

[@Naominoz]

@ it was the most memorable and fun experience I ever had. You cannot live your life scared of everything. Then you should not get into a car. We negotiate risks everyday. Unfortunately sometimes it is out of our control and bad accidents happen

[@Wootwoohyay]

Wow, what an adventure!

[@TJbuffs]

@@Naominoz cars and hippos are a different level of risk to me 😂 but I have respect for people like you. My fiancé swam with sharks and says the same thing to me.

[@midnightjasmine13]

I really admired the very apparent love between these people.

[@jdm9700]

There's nothing that's ever been taught about hippos that makes me want to be anywhere near them.

[@Henry-cf4oo]

They are such a lovely couple. So glad they survived the ordeal and grateful for their donations/contributions towards the health centre in Chirundu, Zambia 🇿🇲

[@dailydoseofchrist2688]

Handsome 👆😊

[@DanYah85]

@0:16 when he said he thought he was going to get "CHOMPED" I'm sorry, I can't 😭

[@kynleechapman7472]

lol that’s such a fair thought tho

[@bambieyedgirl7846]

Is this because of the Chomp chocolate? 😂👌

[@laurenanderson7330]

I don’t get it

[@DanYah85]

@laurenanderson7330 I do😅

[@reggiejr7577]

😂😂😂

[@theautuitiveishere]

I once read that more people are attacked by hippos than a ton of other animals you'd assume 😂 they seem all cute and dopey but they're savage!

[@acediamond7524]

Yes I thought the same thing when I heard about Hippos. They un-alive more people than any other animal on the planet globally every year.

[@brandyyolidio4213]

Cute?? Really?? Hippos??? Mmmk

[@kevinr6871]

Sure, some hippos like the pygmy hippos, definitely. I mean moo deng just spent weeks capturing global headlines earlier this year. Hippos and cute go together just fine.

[@bambieyedgirl7846]

😂👌♥️ super love your description of hippos, it's true. 😄⭐ And I agree with your fact about the hippo attacking the most. 💯 Side note too, the closest relatives of hippos are whales and dolphins. 😂⭐♥️ Hippos are terrifying and fascinating at the same time. 🤣👌🌻

[@dianathompson8794]

@theautuitiveishere hippos are officially the most dangerous mammal in Africa

[@thisis.michelletorres444]

What a horror story! Glad he made it out!! I always picture the worst that could happen, and I think this is why I would never go on such a small boat with hippo in the water or any other excursion with the likelihood of crossing paths with dangerous animals.

[@fistosravenscroft6651]

Exactly! Why put yourself willingly in such situations?

[@ItsAllFakeAndGhey]

Congratulations, you gave sense 😂

[@loiscassels8966]

I did a trip in a mokoro (flat based, hollowed out log type canoe) in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The mokoro is poled through the fairly shallow water, filled with reeds and lily pads by a local guide. We were advised not to put our hands or feet into the water. We were warned about hippos and parasites in the water. We travelled for hours through the Delta before reaching a small island, where we tented for several nights. We heard grunting noises coming from the water during the night. Hippos kill more humans per year than any other animal. They can run up to 35 mph on land. It was all very exciting! I’m glad this man survived. ❤️🇨🇦

[@ebeneZr]

I didn’t even watch the video but “I was mauled by a hippo” would be a great bumper sticker or t shirt

[@ticket2space]

Great attitude from the both of these two.

[@hushhhmoves9089]

The confidence amazes me 😂

[@Trilltord]

Fair play to them and all that stuff…. But me I just simply couldn’t kayak in any water that has any wildlife that would rip me to pieces

[@keleeannkitson3528]

What a story to tell .. wow

[@tracyschmidt7929]

Thanks for giving back to the community

[@elainewalls1965]

WHY would anyone choose a CANOE when going down a river with very territorial Hippos around? Some people have more money than sense.

[@carlosspicyweiner1]

I chuckled when I read the title. Something’s wrong with me

[@redraven1604]

I was in Vic Falls when this happened, I still remember the River guides talking about it.

[@Irishyoutubers]

It's such an amazing story❤ I am glad you're healing and staying positive ❤ You're a warrior, and so is your beautiful wife❤

[@jeremywanner4526]

You wanted an unforgettable and exciting trip to Africa,you got your wish. Moral of the story is be careful what you wish for.

[@AndieeGrl]

They bought the "Unforgettable & Exciting Zimbabwe River Excursion & More" 😅😂

[@TheStackboy5]

They seem so calm recalling what happened to them

[@PeiPeisMom]

I can't imagine being in the position in life to say, "you know what, why don't we go to Africa and invade hippo territory?" Like, seriously, I'm just lucky to afford groceries. I find these people fascinating in the silliest way.

[@SMGyal]

My thoughts exactly… this is a horror story of privilege

[@wendycrawford1792]

@PeiPeisMom. I’m still working at 69 because my pension isn’t enough to live on. I could have done things differently though- gone to school and gotten a better education, not procrastinated so much over the years. These people may have inherited money. They may also have worked hard in life to find themselves in a position to be able to afford such a trip. You can’t always dis people who have money. My neighbour just got back from a safari in Africa. She’s worked hard over the years. Good on her. What seems like complacency where this couple is concerned, l believe is very much due to the fact that the man was never aware that a hippo knocked over their canoe, had him in her mouth, injured him and tossed him to shore! Things probably would have played out quite differently for him, and his wife if he remembered every terrifying detail and went on to have terrible nightmares!

[@PatienceStarr]

@@wendycrawford1792 I respect your comment 🙂 I’d also like to add by saying there are dangers everywhere without traveling far, in the woods while hiking, on the roads while driving and so on, but should we become confined to our homes in fear? No. As long as I’m able I will continue to hike and swim with respect of nature and the beings that dwell within.

[@krm4219]

Such a lovely couple.

[@stephenalex4345]

You spelt dumb, wrong.

[@adt3739]

I’ve always been captivated by hippos for many years. The facts that they are the second leading animal that kill humans even though they are vegetarians, propel off the bottom of the river instead of swim, and the shear size of them, is enough for me to know to admire them from a distance and respect their territory. 💯🖤

[@Wootwoohyay]

They ARE such fascinating animals I agree. Well nobody would even know about them unless some excited, curious, brave humans didn't get a little close.

[@ItsAllFakeAndGhey]

Kayaking…in Africa…in water with hippos…probably the dumbest thing I can think of to do for “holiday”.

[@almariekuit56]

Never feel safe in the African wild. I'm South African born and bred. I'd never ever go in waters with hippos or Nile crocodiles. It's silly madness.

[@gabrielleandrew542]

Agree

[@brendanross1386]

Why they’re just friendly animals

[@samuelbone5150]

What an Amazing Couple…

[@mimisikujui5514]

Even us afrikans don't go canoeing ..rich people problems

[@dianathompson8794]

Africa is Africa. People must realise that danger lurks around many corners. Eg people are warned not to get out of their cars in game reserves, then are surprised to find themselves eaten by a lion. I have had a lion stick his face right up against the car window. But it was closed, and you just sit still till he moves on. Scary non the less.

[@dawwilliams8024]

Love hippos! They’re awesome! Glad you’re ok though.

[@Meow-sj9ms]

Moo deng would never! 😭

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

She would send u to the shadow realm

[@SageMewes]

Theses people are amazing there goofy ash it’s so cute I love it

[@chadtz]

“Hippos go for the biggest thing in the water” Exactly why I always bring my mother in law on safari!

[@llc5027]

Love this. I hope this won't put you off adventuring together. As a fellow adventurer, you're an inspiring couple! You retold your story so well ❤

[@gymkingz3323]

Without even watching, I feel like if you’re mauled by an hippo then you worked hard for it

[@navanater123]

My friend’s grandma was bitten in half on an African safari by a hippo. Was one of those freak things and the hippo was mad, tipped them over and it was done

[@katysummer9418]

Well maybe its better to leave the wild animals alone. I don't think there is a safari which is 100% safe.

[@serendipidus8482]

No only a fool would think its safe to go into wilderness with large prey animals and no gun in your hand. Its all jolly hockey sticks until you realise you're not at the zoo.

[@brostelio]

Glad to see everything went so well. An impressive couple. But canoeing in the Zambezi is probably ill-advised.

[@wally2786]

It’s when you think it can’t happen to you, that it happens!

[@karenduplooy5673]

Wow, what a story. I'm really scared of hippos. I've had a few close shaves with them.

[@glynisansara]

Oh no this isn’t good… the master of understatement. Very British. 😊 as a South African who has been on many safaris I have experienced some cowboy guides. However it sounds as if this episode was part of being in Africa. I did go on the water in Botswana in a canoe and was not at all happy about being taken very near elephants that were in the water and was also wary of hippos and crocodiles. Didn’t really enjoy it.

[@kwhitman1231]

7:58 why does it look like she's struggling to not burst out laughing??

[@Silencedogood-r6l]

She does!

[@christinestarr6769]

Idk about her but for me my response to trauma is often to laugh. I can’t help it and it happens both in the moment when something traumatic is happening but also when I’m retelling the story to others.

[@jamesodin8751]

I think she happy feeling lucky

[@mskatefish]

Hippos are notoriously territorial and dangerous

[@loliwemoyo5680]

The more I travel the more I realize there is no place like Zambia.

[@NTKHZN]

I was attacked by a hippo back in 93. They are no joke. Testosterone driven killing machines.

[@argusj6993]

I see alot about this guys choice to do that knowing the consequences. its so weird when a football player breaks a bone nobody yells "shouldn't have been playing football". it's just sad to me people understand loving sports and undertaking their risks more than people understand loving nature and accepting the risks to explore it.

[@KaseyKR]

Right? And the stats on injuries in football are much worse.

[@krismodrow3993]

Im not crazy about being in any water with fish and frogs😂

[@BlackSheep_216]

Amazing story. Thank you both. I hope they get the ambulance.

[@brentonirwin8895]

Is this what happens when you have so much wealth? You willingly go into ferocious creatures homes?? I bet theyve been back a few times since then too

[@jakobitis89]

You can tell who commented before the end because they both outright say they DIDN'T know hippos were in that part of the river and wouldn't have gone canoeing if they had known....

[@jimlahey3919]

If hippos are in the region, you don’t go in any nearby water. It’s like swimming in water in Florida.” Sally says there’s no gators on her side of the lake. They’re all on Timmy’s side of the lake”. Anyone with common sense knows to not swim in a body of water with killers in any part of it

[@Nomorewarsforisrael]

Hippos are bad tempered on a good day.

[@livelikemateo6951]

Glad you made it out alive. It’s funny reading some of the comments with people criticizing. I wasn’t too far from there when I first arrived Africa and I was charged by what I initially thought was a Cape buffalo but turned out to be an old massive bull wildebeest. It was intense but ended up as great protein feeding the local people. I’ve had close encounters with bears, cougars, coyotes, rattlesnakes, sharks, etc. when I’m in their neighborhood I know what I’m getting into so I accept whatever consequences that come with it. Dangerous or not, exploring nature is worth every risk and much better than sitting on a couch never experiencing it. Take precautions but never stop living it.

[@gunkanjima3408]

I have never clicked on a video so fast. “I was mauled by a hippo” YEP

[@evie9239]

He sounds like David Mitchell

[@willswalkingwest7267]

Sigh. How people blindly put faith in something and completely set aside common sense in this day and age is beyond me. That said my heart is grateful these two survived and that they are brave enough to sit in front of a camera to share their traumatic experience. Personal responsibility is a thing.

[@smch6416]

Im a pretty adventurous person, but canoeing down a river with hippos and crocs in is a no no for me. As much as I'm sure its incredible, its too scary for me

[@WatchingHamasBURN]

Maybe stay away from hippos? Maybe? No? Ok

[@MichaelBrandon10]

Being treated at a rural african "hospital" sounds more terrifying to me than being a hippo chew toy. Glad he's ok

[@glynnnewlove1676]

Amazing how strong Hippos are.

[@Goombasareawesome]

I thought they only ate little white balls.

[@ItsAllFakeAndGhey]

You win 😂😂😂

[@live4lifeeeeee975]

That’s Hungry, Hungry hippo….this one’s just Hungry…

[@TJbuffs]

That hippo tried to eat two of them with this guy 😂

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

You thought right- the hippo was going for two white balls 😂

[@mrpotato4441]

"I was mauled by a hippo" LMAOLOLOLOLOLOLULZZZ

[@isaacthep1913]

I thought the title read “I was manipulated by a hippo” lol

[@renee7438]

😂😂😂

[@evelynpagan8135]

Trust in common sense. Why would anyone put themselves in a dangerous position where an alligators and hippo infested waters surrounded you, territory they have the advantage of. You put trust in a guide who guided you into near death.

[@655Louisa]

Hippos are nasty. glad you are both okay.

[@robdefeo8687]

I would have refused the kayak ride down the river infested with hippos. I've seen too many stories of tourist getting knocked out of the canoe and mauled by a hippo. Some people died and sombhe had horrific injuries. These people were very lucky nobody got killed or severely wounded.

[@xEPICxNESS]

Uncle lore be wild

[@cplmpcocptcl6306]

I’m the opposite. I DO pay attention to flight attendants, guides etc.. I always think, why not me?

[@livedwardo]

Jesus Christ that poor couple

[@WatchingHamasBURN]

I think you misspelled *stupid*

[@Boomshaka]

Hippos are incredibly dangerous, he can be so lucky to live and tell the tale.

[@billymabum3514]

I knew a guy who was mauled by a hippo . He ended up marrying her

[@chadtz]

😂😂😂

[@Wastedhours96]

🎶 Roland, Roland, Roland on the riverrrr 🎶 sorry I had to

[@sampetronelli]

She looks at him the way she does because she thought she lost him and was there to see it. They have a second chance and you can tell she couldn’t be happier about it. True love.

[@mizzop]

Im a motswana in Botswana and id NEVER do this🙆‍♂️ but its a very normal thing tourists do here, Ive just seen too many videos of hippos wilding out😅 plus the canoe is so small a croc could capsize it so easily😢 No thanks.

[@Growthpointggirl]

My sentiments exactly, I am Zimbabwean and there is no black person who is local that I know who would go into water with hippos and crocodiles, very much a tourist and white people thing to do. Hippos and crocs are some people's totems, we respect their space and keep away from them. Please please do not take chances. I am sorry you did not know there were hippos there and you should of been warned. Hippos are the most dangerous animals in the world and no amount of preparation is enough in my opinion. Glad he made it.

[@masterbranigan]

Keep Calm & Carry on

[@mskatefish]

Pretty naive if they think it couldn’t happen to you. A guide certainly helps a lot with safety and reading animals and situations but one is still in the African bush. Danger is everywhere

[@unit1873]

Canoeing in croc/hippo territory is like going for a casual stroll in lion territory. Just stupid 😂

[@roosterblood]

Same sort of thing happened to my family and I back in 90's

[@smch6416]

I reckon this is a recent marriage. They're too in love to have been together 30 years!

[@steves2754]

I cannot relate to wanting to kayak with hippos and crocodiles. It seems ignorant and stupid tbh

[@toniacollinske2518]

Seem like lovely people

[@Somerled_1]

now that's a title worth clicking