Hippo Flips Wildlife Rescue Boat During Dramatic South Africa Rescue Mission

A shocking video from South Africa has gone viral after an enraged female hippopotamus overturned a boat carrying wildlife rescuers.

Twenty-year-old Zander Pienaar ended up in the cold water after the attack, but despite the life-threatening situation, he remained calm and managed to escape without serious injuries.

Parawild Edu-Capture | Compass Media

The dramatic incident took place on February 17 near Hoedspruit, South Africa. The footage was recorded during a rescue mission carried out by Parawild Edu-Capture, whose team was attempting to safely relocate a female hippopotamus and her calf after they had escaped from a farm during flooding.

Female Hippo Attacks the Rescue Boat

The rescuers planned to sedate the animals using tranquilizer darts before transporting them to a safer location. Within seconds, however, the operation turned into a fight for survival.

The territorial female hippo suddenly charged at the small boat, struck it from underneath with tremendous force, and completely flipped it over. Zander, the team leader at the family-run wildlife rescue organization, was thrown into the water.

The dramatic moment was filmed from a second boat by his older brother, Markus, capturing the exact moment the hippopotamus attacked and sent the rescue team into chaos.

He Stayed Calm and Saved His Own Life

Despite the terrifying situation, Zander kept his composure. Moments after falling into the water, he swam to the overturned boat and climbed on top of it while his fellow rescuers closely monitored the hippo.

Fortunately, the animal eventually backed away, allowing the team to safely recover Zander and complete the rescue operation. Both he and a fellow rescuer escaped without serious injuries.

Hippos Are Among Africa's Most Dangerous Animals

Although many people see hippos as peaceful herbivores, they are considered among the most dangerous mammals in Africa. They are extremely protective of their young and their territory, and attacks are often sudden and without warning.

Experts point out that an adult hippopotamus can weigh up to 4.5 tonnes (10,000 pounds), run at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph) on land, and use its incredibly powerful jaws to easily destroy a small boat.