Chinese Tourist Killed by a Hippo While Taking Photos at Lake Naivasha

A 66-year-old Chinese tourist was on Saturday evening killed by a hippo while taking pictures at Lake Naivasha.

According to kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), Chang Ming Chuang was pronounced dead on arrival at the Naivasha District hospital after being attacked by a hippo.

His 62-year-old friend, Wu Peng Te survived the tragic encounter and is recuperating at Lake Naivasha Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.

[caption caption="Fishermen in Lake Naivasha"][/caption]

"KWS is sad to announce the death of a tourist who was attacked yesterday evening. His colleague survived with minor bruises and was treated at Naivasha District Hospital. We are tracking the hippo," KWS mentioned in a tweet.

According to witnesses, the man was in the company of friends taking pictures near Sopa Hotel when the hippo attacked.

James Omollo told the Star that the foreigner got too close to the animal which turned on him, biting him on the chest.

Chairman of Lake Naivasha Boat Owners Association David Kilo noted that the increase in water levels had contributed to the hippo attacks.

"The hippo that attacked the Chinese was looking for pasture near the hotel when the incident occurred. This is not the first time,” he remarked.

In an earlier incident, an illegal fisherman was attacked by another hippo and died on the spot.

It is reported that the middle-aged man strayed into an area where the animals were resting leading to the fatal attack.

"We have seen a rise in cases of human-wildlife conflict around the lake and this is mainly due to the encroachment of the riparian land," Kilo who is also an honorary warden indicated.

Naivasha police boss Samuel Waweru confirmed both incidents and mentioned that the bodies were taken to the mortuary.

[caption caption="Hippos in Lake Naisha"][/caption]

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