Guide remembers 'astonishing' meeting with enormous, dinosaur-like bird

Earlier this month, tourists on a boat trip in Uganda were astonished to witness a massive, dinosaur-resembling shoebill. The striking bird, featuring a large, sharp bill, measured roughly 4 feet in height and had a wingspan of approximately 7 feet. While photography angles made it appear even larger, its true size was undeniably impressive.

The sighting took place during Mabamba Trips November 10 tour of Mabamba Swamp. An Instagram post showing the bird sparked speculation among followers that the footage might have been digitally altered. Muhumuza Innocent Braddoco, known as Innocent the Guide, told FTW Outdoors, I dont post anything fake. He emphasized that while seeing shoebills at Mabamba Swampa protected area on the shores of Lake Victoriais common, it is extremely unusual for them to land on tour boats.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Innocent the Guide added. He shared a selfie with the shoebill from the same encounter, providing a clearer view of its actual size. The shoebill, often compared to storks, is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with only 3,300 to 5,300 mature individuals estimated to exist.

Although not considered a threat to humans, shoebills are skilled predators, feeding mainly on fish as well as other wetland animals such as water snakes, Nile monitors, and even young crocodiles.

Author: Sophia Brooks