(ECNS) - The Chinese Embassy in Kenya has warned travelers to be alert to dangers in visiting wildlife after a tourist from China's Taiwan died while another was injured in an attack by a hippopotamus on the shores of Lake Naivasha.
The two tourists were taking photos when they were attacked by the hippo at around 3 p.m. on Saturday at Sopa Resort about 95 km northwest of Nairobi.
The embassy’s statement said it’s important for tourists to be on guard against dangers, noting several incidents of hippos attacking Chinese here in recent years.
Tourists are urged not to get close to hippos, especially calves, or feed them because the huge mammals may attack rapidly and have a powerful bite once they feel threatened, which can include startling them with a camera flash.
The embassy also suggests tourists be mindful of wild animals in the reserve areas of Kenya such as lions, cheetahs and rhinos. Tourists are required to follow instructions of tour guides and refrain from leaving vehicles at will.
The embassy also reminded citizens of the country’s police number 999 and the 12308 hotline (86-10-12308) of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection.
