Hippopotamus that died suddenly farted on lion’s face

In South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, a male lion was captured in a rare moment as it was feeding on a dead hippo by a lagoon, with gases continuously expelled from the hippo’s anal area, directly spraying onto the lion’s face. This unusual scene was recorded by an eyewitness.

According to a report from “Latest Sightings” website, a female tourist named Heike Hochberger witnessed a hippo carcass floating upside down in shallow waters of a lagoon during her visit to the park, indicating that the hippo had been dead for quite some time.

Hochberger reported that a group of lions approached the area but seemed hesitant to enter the water, possibly wary of crocodile attacks. However, driven by hunger, they eventually ventured into the water and even climbed onto the hippo carcass to feast.

As the hippo started moving on the water’s surface, the lioness in the pride left the carcass, leaving behind only a young male lion to continue his feast.

Due to the thick skin of hippos, some parts measuring up to 6 centimeters in thickness, the male lion targeted areas between the hind legs where the skin was thinner.

This made it easier to access the meat, but it also meant being closer to the hippo’s anus, leading to the release of gases from decomposition, causing the area to appear swollen and posing an unpleasant problem for the male lion.

While the lion was enjoying his meal, the hippo carcass suddenly emitted a series of loud and explosive “chain of farts,” spraying directly onto the lion’s face. However, the lion seemed unfazed and remained in place. As he pulled at the hippo’s flesh, its intestines became exposed.

Hochberger mentioned that in her many years of travel, she had never witnessed something like this, highlighting that such encounters cannot be planned but require being in the right place at the right time to witness.

She added, “Regardless, I can say that South Luangwa National Park is a beautiful park and definitely worth a visit.”

“Latest Sightings” pointed out that when animals feed, their food is often not fresh. While consuming carrion can make humans seriously ill, scavenging animals possess highly acidic stomach fluids that neutralize harmful bacteria and extract nutrients at the same time.

Furthermore, they have specialized gut bacteria and microbial communities to digest the complex molecules found in carrion.

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