Watch the sighting here:
Heike Hochberger sent her account of the noxious episode to Latest Sightings. She recorded it while visiting Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
Floating hippo
The video begins showing a hippo carcass floating upside-down in a shallow lagoon. It would appear that the hippo died some time ago as it shows signs of decay.
Reluctant scavengers
According to Heike, a pride of lions arrived and seemed reluctant to enter the water. This is possibly due to the presence of crocodiles.
However, soon their hunger saw the lions tentatively enter the water.
Even being so bold as to climb onto the floating buffet…
All to himself
However, when the hippo started moving underfoot, the lionesses abandoned the carcass, leaving only the young male.
Hippos have a very thick hide, up to 6 centimetres (2 inches) in places. Accordingly, the lion targeted the thinner skin between the hind legs.
Pros and cons
While this meant easier access to the flesh, it came with a rather nasty catch. Being near the hippo’s anus, the area was particularly swollen with gases created by decay.
So, as the lion bit into the ripe flesh, it was inevitable that something unpleasant would happen.
Accompanied by a loud pop, a vapour of compressed gases burst into the lion’s face.
If at first you don’t succeed
Not put off by what must have been a revolting surprise, the lion once again went in for a bite…
Only for another pocket of air to burst, again spraying it with the putrid juices of decay.
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Unwelcome company
Meanwhile, a large crocodile had arrived for its share of the malodorous meal. Also targeting the tender rear, it pulled out much of the hippo’s innards.
While was devouring its prize, the lion took the opportunity to return.
Seeing this, one of the lionesses re-entered the water to partake.
Further flatulating
It soon became evident that the gas passed previously was just the beginning. As the lion pulled at the flesh, the intestines were exposed.
Then, a series of shot-like pops went off as various pockets of gas burst. As they did, more folds of the hippo’s entrails emerged, giving the impression of a living organism.
A lasting impression
Heike later said of the explosive experience, “I’ve never seen anything like this before in all the years I’ve been on game drives…
“You can’t plan something like that either, it’s just luck to be in the right place at the right time.
“Anyway, I can say that the South Luangwa National Park is one beautiful park and definitely worth a visit.”
Eating rotting meat
When animals scavenge, their food is often less than fresh. While humans would probably get seriously ill eating rotten meat, scavengers have highly acidic stomach juices that neutralise harmful bacteria while extracting nutrients.
Additionally, they have specialised gut bacteria and a microbiome evolved to digest the complex molecules of rotten flesh.
We’re sure you’ll agree, they are most welcome to it!