Man mauled to death by pet hippo he described as 'like a son' 3 months ago Marius Els was mauled to death by his 'pet' hippo, who he was filmed riding earlier this year [Photo: Barcroft Media via Getty Images] A man has been mauled to death by his pet hippo - who he previously described as "like a son to me". Farmer Marius Els was found dead in a river after being repeatedly bitten by the huge animal, who weighs more than a ton. Mr Els, from the Free State province in South Africa, had adopted the hippo, named Humphrey, and footage of him riding him went viral earlier this year. He died on Sunday after being mauled and dragged into the Vaal River close to his home by the six-year-old animal.