Man mauled to death by pet hippo who was 'like a son' in horrifying final moments

Daily Record

28-05-2025

Marius Els, 40, an army major, was bitten to death by the 1.2 tonne hippo he named Humphrey. He had brought Humphrey to his 400 acre farm where the animal learned to swim with humans
An army major hailing from Free State province in South Africa met with a tragic demise after being savagely attacked by his pet hippo, which he had adopted as a baby and affectionately treated 'like a son'.
The man's mutilated remains were discovered submerged in the same river where he initially rescued the animal during a flood many years prior.
‌
Marius Els, age 40, succumbed to injuries inflicted by the 1.2-tonne hippopotamus named Humphrey. Els had welcomed Humphrey to his expansive 400-acre farm where the creature was accustomed to swimming alongside humans.
‌
A video capturing Els mounted atop the 2,000-pound hippo went viral, leaving many astounded over his daring interaction with the wild animal.
The Guardian highlighted multiple warnings indicating the impossibility of taming the beast – one harrowing situation involved a 52 year old man and his grandson, aged seven, who were forced to ascend a tree to evade the hippo that encroached upon them while canoeing through the section of the river on Els' property, reports the Mirror US.
Els is said to have coaxed the hippo away using an apple, while the stranded duo was later retrieved by paramedics.
Louise, Els's spouse and a pharmacist by profession, also harboured reservations about the unpredictable nature of the hippo. Incidents had occurred, such as terrifying golfers at a neighbouring course and the fatality of several calves owned by Els' business partner, corroborating her unease.
Nevertheless, Els remained positive concerning his unique bond with the animal. He said: "Humphrey's like a son to me, he's just like a human. There's a relationship between me and Humphrey and that's what some people don't understand.
‌
"They think you can only have a relationship with dogs, cats and domestic animals. But I have a relationship with the most dangerous animal in Africa."
Hippos are known for their formidable presence and possess massive canine teeth – they reportedly claim more human lives annually than lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos combined.
‌
Following elephants and rhinoceroses, hippos rank as the third-largest land mammal, tipping the scales at up to three tonnes. Despite their hefty build, these creatures can reach speeds of 30mph.
The South African farmer had previously shared that "his pet" would come when called, enjoyed frolicking with him, and he even brushed the hippo's teeth. Els, who also housed giraffes and rhinos on his property, believed his voice could coax Humphrey back home.
The military man affectionately described the hippo as "loveable" and a "gentle giant".
‌
"It's a little bit dangerous, but I trust him with my heart that he will not harm anybody," Els confidently stated, as reported by The Daily Mirror.
"I can swim with him. I go in the water. He allows me to get on his back, and I ride him like a horse. He swims with me. He's like a son to me."
Tragically for the devoted animal enthusiast, his bond with Humphrey ended in tragedy when the hippo attacked him, leading to his death.
A spokesperson for the ambulance service informed the Daily Mirror that paramedics discovered Els submerged in a river, having suffered multiple bites from the animal. The duration of his time in the water before being found was not determined.