As with humans, young animals view their world as a giant playground. In this video, a baby hippo tests the patience of its adult neighbours.
Carla Frazao submitted this sequence of photographs to Latest Sightings. She witnessed the amusing action while in the bird hide at Lake Panic in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Happy hippos
As Carla told Latest Sightings, she was watching some baby hippos frolic on the banks of Lake Panic, while the adults dozed in the water.
The rotund calves were the picture of playful energy.
Play interrupted
Suddenly, their playful revelry was interrupted by the arrival of an African fish eagle, clutching a freshly caught fish.
To the hippo’s surprise, the eagle landed just a few metres away on the bank of the waterhole.
However, a quick look at the mischievous calves was all it took for the fish eagle to relocate a bit further away.
Believing that it could now feed in peace, the eagle settled.
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Mishcievous twinkle in its eye
However, by the twinkle in its eye, it was clear that one of the calves had other ideas.
Consequently, and to the surprise of both Carla and the eagle, the little hippo charged out of the water.
Not for sharing
Alarmed, the fish eagle snatched the fish and flew off a short distance.
From there, it walked into the dense bush nearby, no doubt hoping it would be left to enjoy its meal.
After all, what could a hippo possibly want with a fish? Or a fish eagle, for that matter.
Excuse me? Excuse you!
Now, you’d think that would be it. However, we should never forget the single-mindedness of toddlers when it comes to playtime.
Having provoked a reaction, the naughty calf followed the eagle into the bush. Then, as if imitating a territorial bull, it opened its jaws as wide as can be, threatening the beleaguered bird.
Although obscured, it seems the eagle replied with some threatening gestures of its own. At this, the calf backed off.
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The H-massive assembles
Back with its siblings, the calf soon regained its confidence. Together, the three tried to intimidate the frustrated eagle with grumpy looks.
However, the eagle was having none of it. When it comes to a staredown, few can match the intensity of an eagle’s glare.
Unnerved, the calves turned tail and headed for the safety of deeper water.
Still watching the eagle, it’s easy to imagine them plotting their revenge. Or questioning their choices.
I’m good
No sooner had the hippos fled than a hamerkop swooped in. As Carla commented, it looked like it had come to check on its feathered friend.
However, by this time, the eagle just wanted to be left to enjoy its meal in peace.
Rebuffed, the hamerkop wandered off, much to the relief of the eagle. Bon appetit!