What's happened
Roland Cherry, a 63-year-old from Warwickshire, survived a near-fatal hippo attack while canoeing in Zambia. The incident left him with severe injuries, including a 10-inch abdominal wound. He is now fundraising for the hospital that treated him, highlighting the quick response that saved his life.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Roland Cherry described the moment of the attack, stating, 'I was really a sitting duck, trying to swim with one arm.' The Independent reported that he suffered severe injuries, including a 10-inch wound to his abdomen, and noted that he is now fundraising for the Mtendere Mission Hospital, which he credits with saving his life. Metro highlighted Cherry's reflections on the experience, stating, 'I certainly do not hate hippos – I’m not very fond of what one did to me.' This sentiment is echoed across multiple sources, emphasizing the complexity of human-wildlife interactions.
How we got here
Roland Cherry and his wife were on a canoe safari in Zambia when a hippo attacked their canoe, resulting in severe injuries for Cherry. The incident occurred on June 25, 2024, during their trip to see wildlife in southern Africa.
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