Man-hippo gets stuck in mud

Here at Toms UK and IRL we always admire people who show dedication and commitment to their work and the man who built a giant hippo suit to get closer to real hippo is definitely someone we admire.

Dr David Brady is a dedicated naturalist who, when in need of a sample, figured the best way to creep up on a hippopotamus, was to dress up as another hippopotamus.

So, Dr Brady built himself a nice armoured Trojan-horse style Hippo.

(pictures available on the Daily Mail)

Anyway, he climbs in, shuts the hatch (yes there was a hatch, seriously, look at those pictures), and proceeds toward the real hippo, which is taking a nice leisurely soak in a mud puddle.

Dr Brady is quite close to the Hippo when he realises he is sinking into the mud. A brief struggle to free himself proves fruitless and he only sinks further into the mud.

Fortunately the coating of hippo dung on the suit (oh, did we forget to mention that ? Silly us) meant that the good Dr’s scent went unnoticed by the hippo.

Brady radioed for help and a park ranger was on hand to help. He approached the hippo and the, eh, man-hippo, armed with a rifle and a few buckets of caution.

Eventually, the real hippo ambled off in the opposite direction and the ranger was able to help Brady to safety.

Brady had a similar, more successful encounter last year when he dressed up as a crocodile…