Hippo kills tourist taking photos of wildlife in Kenya

Local fisherman is also killed in separate hippo attack in the same area of Lake Naivasha

Six people have been killed by hippos around Lake Naivasha this year (Rex Features)

A Chinese tourist has died after being bitten by a hippo while taking pictures at a wildlife resort in Kenya.

Chang Ming Chuang, 66, was attacked on the shores of Lake Naivasha just hours after a hippo killed a local fisherman in the same area.

A second Chinese tourist, Wu Peng Te, 62, was also injured in the attack on Saturday night and was taken to the local hospital for treatment.

Six people have been killed by the mostly herbivorous mammals around Lake Naivasha so far this year.

Environmental experts say conflict between humans and hippos has increased because of encroachment into the animal's grazing areas.

Paul Udoto, a spokesman for Kenya Wildlife Service, said attacks on tourists are rare because they are usually protected by guides.

Witnesses told The Star newspaper in Kenya that the hippo bit Mr Chuang on the chest after he got too close while taking pictures near Sopa Hotel.

"The hippo that attacked the Chinese was looking for pasture near the hotel," said David Kilo, chairman of the Lake Naivasha Boat Owners Association.

"This is not the first time,” he adding that the animals were being forced to stray into nearby hotels and farms for grazing because of rising water levels.

The Kenya Wildlife Service said they were tracking the hippo.

Police said the fisherman was also bitten on the chest a few miles away from the scene of the attack on the tourists.

"His injuries were serious and he died minutes after he was retrieved from the lake," said Rift Valley head of criminal investigations Gideon Kibunja.

In January a fisherman was killed by a hippo while preparing his nets for a fishing expedition in Lake Naivasha.

The Rift Valley's highest lake is a popular destination for travellers hoping to spot hippos, giraffes and zebras.

Additional reporting by agencies