Tourist's 'sickening' act with hippo at popular safari park

The driver of a vehicle was seen 'deliberately' feeding the hippo something that 'could kill' it while visiting Taman Safari Park in Indonesia.

Tourist throwing plastic bag into mouth of hippo from a car.
The tourist was spotted throwing a plastic bag into the mouth of a hippo at Taman Safari Park in Indonesia. Source: Jam Press

A tourist visiting a popular safari park has sparked outrage after a video surfaced online showing them appearing to throw a plastic bag into the mouth of a hungry hippo.

The incident took place at the Taman Safari Park in Bogor, Indonesia with staff later condemning the visitor. The park has reportedly located the license plate of the vehicle carrying the person responsible, and told local press they “urge him to make a public apology”.

Footage of the disturbing moment has gone viral on social media and garnered two million views after being filmed last month.

The clip shows a silver car next to a watering hole where a hippo is enjoying a dip. A carrot is dangled near the hippo’s mouth, which is open, before a plastic bag is thrown in instead. The hippo appears to hesitantly close its mouth before trying to chew.

The clip garnered widespread outrage online. "I hope that person and the hippo meet again some day. Hopefully in an environment more favourable to the hippo," one person said.

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"I hope they were caught and arrested!! That could kill the hippo!!" another viewer pointed out.

Someone else added: "Those people should be banned from every safari park and not allowed near any animals."

Some noted it "seems deliberate" which many agreed was "sickening".

The tourist allegedly also poked a deer with a carrot while on the safari tour. The hippo was examined and is reportedly in healthy condition following the incident.

In a video shared on the park's Instagram page, Taman Safari Park warned visitors against harming teh animals.

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"Following up on the viral incident of visitors throwing plastic into the mouths of Hippos at the Bogor Safari Park, we continue to remind visitors to comply with the procedures and regulations of the applicable law," a worker said, according to the English translation.

"Mr. Supriadi, as the hippo animal caretaker, has moved quickly to remove the plastic waste thrown by the visitors. He also advised visitors not to throw dangerous items of any kind at the bodies of animals when touring the Bogor Safari Park.

"Remember, the animals in the Bogor Safari Park are protected by law. For those who violate, there will be severe sanctions up to criminal penalties. Come on, obey the applicable rules and obey the officers' circulars when you are sightseeing and learning at the Bogor Safari Park."

with Jam Press