A safari park visitor has been urged to “make a public apology” after risking killing a hippo by throwing a plastic bag into its mouth.
A shocking video clip showed the tourist apparently dangling a carrot near the hippo’s open mouth before throwing the bag at it.
The incident, believed to have taken place at the Taman Safari Park in Bogor, Indonesia, has sparked outrage in the local community and among those who saw the shocking footage online.
The safari park has reportedly located the license plate of the vehicle carrying the individual responsible and has apologised to the man.
The footage shows a silver car stopping next to a waterhole where a hippo is enjoying a dip.
The man can be seen dangling a carrot near the hippo’s mouth at the Taman Safari Park in Bogor, Indonesia, before throwing a plastic bag at it.
The hippo, which had been taking a dip in nearby water, appears to hesitantly close its mouth before attempting to chew.
The man places a carrot stick near the large animal’s open mouth and then tosses a plastic bag inside. The hippo appears to hesitantly close its mouth before attempting to chew.
The clip, which was shared online, has already received more than two million views, many of them angry about the incident.
One person said: “I hope that person and the hippo meet again one day. Hopefully in a more hippo-friendly environment.”
“I hope they got caught and arrested. That could kill the hippo!” said another viewer.
Another addition‘These people should be banned from all safari parks and should not be allowed to approach any animals.’ (sic)
‘“It seems deliberate. Let’s give the license plate to the lions,” suggested a third, while a fourth said bluntly: “That’s disgusting.”
The same tourist is also alleged to have poked a deer with a carrot during the safari.
The hippo was examined and is reportedly in healthy condition following the incident.