Hippo Swallows 2-Year-Old In Uganda, Spits Him Out Alive

A two-year-old boy was swallowed whole by a giant hippo, but thankfully it spits the child out alive.

The unusual incident took place in Uganda, and the boy, known locally as Iga Paul, only emerged after surprised and angry locals pelted the hungry hippo with stones.

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Oddly enough, although the event took place in April of this year, it wasn't formally reported to the authorities until Monday, December 12, when a local video of it went viral.

Off the shores of Lake Edwards, a youngster who was playing outside his home was apparently attacked without warning.

(Image: Supplied)

Ugandan Police said: “This is the first such kind of incident where a hippo strayed out of Lake Edward and attacked a young child.”

“It grabbed the boy from the head and swallowed half of his body.”

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“It took the bravery of one Chrispas Bagonza, who was nearby, to save the victim after he stoned the hippo and scared it, causing it to release the victim from its mouth.”

Before being sent to a hospital for more care, the kid was first brought to a nearby clinic.

Although it is unclear what wounds he had, he was given a rabies vaccine because hippos are known carriers of the disease.

According to reports, the hippo wasn't actually eating the boy; instead, it was playing with him. Hippopotamuses are vegetarian, but they can still attack people if they feel threatened.

Every year, about 500 people in Africa die at the hands or mouths of hippos.

They kill almost twice as many people as lions do, making them the deadliest animal in the world, according to National Geographic.

They add: “ Males can become aggressive if they sense danger.”

“Mothers may attack to protect their young.”

“Although they can weigh up to four tons, they can run up to 20 miles per hour.”

“Their jaws can open to 180 degrees, clamp down with a force 10 times that of human jaws, and their lower canines can grow to more than one and a half feet long.”