Hippo Attack at Ranchi Zoo Highlights Risks for Keepers and Visitors
A female hippo with a newborn calf injured a zookeeper who went to check on the calf at Ranchi’s Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park. The incident, reported by Indian Express, occurred when Santosh Kumar Mahto, 54, entered the hippo enclosure and attempted to move the calf. The mother hippo perceived the move as a threat and unleashed an attack, trampling the keeper severely.
Colleagues nearby rushed to assist, pulling Mahto from the enclosure and rushing him to a hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the injuries proved fatal. Zoo management contacted authorities and offered compensation to Mahto’s family, while the company covered all medical expenses for the employee.
Past reports have noted other hippo-related incidents in different regions. A tour guide in West Africa faced challenges while rafting along a river near a hippo herd. As the group approached the animals along the Chobe River in Namibia, the herd behaved calmly at first. Suddenly, one hippo pursued the boat. The captain chose not to restart the engine to avoid spooking the herd. The hippo then collided with the vessel, damaging the engine and its plastic casing. Passengers managed to escape the danger.
Earlier, a separate incident described a hippo attacking a keeper during feeding at a zoo. These episodes underscore the unpredictable nature of large semi-aquatic mammals and the need for strict safety protocols within enclosures and around water bodies that attract hippos.
Experts emphasize that hippos are protective mothers and can be highly aggressive, especially when a calf is nearby or when humans intrude into their territory. Zoo staff and tour operators are urged to follow established safety procedures, maintain clear barriers, and ensure mindful supervision of visitors near hippo enclosures. Ongoing monitoring and training help reduce risks for both staff and guests. Attribution for the reported events can be found in contemporaneous coverage from Indian Express and related regional reports.