In 2025, during their honeymoon safari in Botswana, Sam and Anna McKee faced a life-altering event when Sam was attacked by a hippo. The attack, occurring in the Okavango Delta, tested their resilience and commitment to each other. Their journey, from love and adventure to survival, reveals a harrowing tale of courage and the strength of human spirit.
Sam and Anna’s Background
Sam and Anna McKee’s story started when they met at 15 and began dating at 17. Their relationship thrived on adventure. They got engaged in the Andes in Chile and married in Portugal, choosing Botswana for an unforgettable honeymoon.
The Hippo Encounter
During the safari, the couple experienced the thrill of spotting diverse wildlife, including elephants and lions. Soon after, they embarked on a journey through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro with a guide. They were warned about a mother hippo displaying aggression, signaling danger.
Anna recalled,
The hippo had its mouth wide open, a sign of aggression, and we were warned to keep our distance.
The Attack
Unexpectedly, their mokoro drifted towards the dangerous area. Suddenly, a hippo charged at them, and chaos ensued. Sam recounts how the hippo attacked, pinning him down in the water. Despite severe injuries, including a traumatic wound to his torso, he fought to survive with Anna’s support.
Anna, thrown from the mokoro, witnessed the terrifying scene and responded with instinctive bravery. Her actions, although unexplained, led to the hippo releasing Sam.
Struggling for Survival
Sam emerged from the water, realizing his intestines were exposed. Anna focused on getting him to safety, battling fear of further threats from crocodiles. The urgency of his condition prompted desperate measures for help, including using a belt as a tourniquet and enlisting the help of a retired dentist present during the tour.
Without immediate medical support, the couple faced a long, painful wait deep in the bush, relying on adrenaline and basic first aid. They maintained hope, driven by the thought of their future together.
Medical Evacuation
Despite communication difficulties, their network of family and embassy contacts worked tirelessly to arrange a medical evacuation. The arrival of emergency personnel brought some relief, but challenges remained. By dawn, a helicopter facilitated their transfer to a major trauma center in Johannesburg.
Recovery
Sam underwent extensive surgeries for severe injuries, including a colostomy and damage to multiple organs. His athletic background may have contributed to his survival. During recovery, Sam found solace in pottery, inspired by thoughts of gratitude and a desire to give back.
Reflecting on survival, Sam initiated Liberty’s Charity, aligning his gratitude with helping children access skateboards, reminiscent of his adventurous spirit.
Psycho-Emotional Healing
The couple sought counseling for acute stress disorder, processing the extraordinary events. Anna’s decisive actions were attributed to hysterical strength, a phenomenon occurring in life-threatening situations.
Life After the Attack
The experience reshaped their outlook on life, emphasizing the value of relationships and precious moments. Sam and Anna’s recovery and resilience continue to inspire, underscoring the extraordinary capabilities of individuals when faced with adversity.
The profound impact of their experience is chronicled on Sam’s initiative, Simple Soulshine, blending pottery sales and social contributions.