The Drowning Hug: A Look Back at the Tragic Walrus Selfie of 2016

In 2016, a businessman taking a selfie with a walrus at a Chinese zoo was tragically killed when the animal dragged him underwater. Mistaking the act for play, a zookeeper intervened to save him, only to be drowned by the 1.5-ton animal as well.

Every few years, a chilling story resurfaces on social media, serving as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wild animals. It begins with a seemingly innocent act: a tourist, excited by a close encounter, poses for a selfie with a massive creature. This particular story, from 2016, ended in a double tragedy that spectators initially mistook for playful antics.

A Moment for Social Media Turns Fatal

The incident took place at Xixiakou Wildlife Park in Rongcheng, China. A businessman named Jia Lijun was visiting the park and, like many, was documenting his experience. He took photos and videos, even sharing them on the social media platform WeChat moments before his death. According to reports, Jia got perilously close to the enclosure to take a selfie with the park's star attraction: a 1.5-ton walrus. In a sudden, terrifying moment, the massive animal grabbed him from behind with its powerful flippers and dragged him into its pool.

When "Playful" Behavior Becomes Deadly

What makes this story particularly haunting is the initial reaction of those who witnessed it. Both onlookers and park staff at first believed they were watching a moment of interspecies play. The walrus appeared to be "hugging" and playfully spinning Jia in the water. This misinterpretation delayed a rescue, as no one immediately grasped the life-threatening danger Jia was in. It was only when he was forcibly held underwater that the playful illusion shattered, revealing a grim reality. The immense pressure and weight of the walrus made it impossible for Jia to surface for air.

A Zookeeper's Ultimate Sacrifice

Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, the walrus's zookeeper, Duan, rushed to help. Duan had reportedly raised the animal since it was a baby and shared a deep bond with it. Without hesitation, he jumped into the frigid water to try and save Jia. Tragically, the walrus turned on him as well. Despite his years of experience and his connection to the animal, he was no match for its sheer power. The walrus held both men at the bottom of the pool, and both ultimately drowned. A local official was later quoted on the zookeeper's relationship with the animal:

He had looked after the walrus since it was a baby.

The park later accepted full responsibility for the incident, compensating the families of both victims. The event stands as a horrifying lesson on the dangers of anthropomorphizing wild animals and underestimating their strength. What we perceive as a "hug" or "play" from a creature of that size and power can have lethal consequences. It underscores a critical rule of wildlife interaction, whether in a zoo or in the wild: respect their space and their inherent wildness, because a single moment's lapse in judgment can lead to an irreversible tragedy.


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