Farmer killed by pet hippo he called his 'son'

A SOUTH African farmer has been savaged and killed by his beloved pet hippopotamus.

The mutilated body of Marius Els was found in a river running through his 400-acre farm after the 1,200kg beast mauled him and dragged him underwater.

Hippo Humphrey became an internet star earlier this year after footage of 41-year-old Els riding him became a hit on YouTube - watch this below.    More Read