Although it’s not unheard of, lions seldom target hippos. However, in this video, a pair of male lions tries repeatedly to flush one from the safety of its pond.
MalaMala submitted this fascinating footage to Latest Sightings. It was filmed in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
At peace in a pond
The video opens to a tranquil bushveld scene. We see a lone hippo wallowing in a small pool in the Sand River.
Hippos generally spend their days in the water and are known to be highly territorial. By night, they venture out to graze when the temperature drops.
Against expectations
Moments later, the peace is disturbed by the arrival of a predator. A mature male lion emerges from the reeds, and as he does, he notices the ripples on the water where the hippo submerged.
Generally, lions have a healthy respect for hippos, given their massive bulk and deadly jaws. As such, in most places, they give the larger creatures a wide berth.
Accordingly, it comes as a surprise when the lion walks within metres of the hippo. At this point, we realise that the predator may be more than just curious.
Meanwhile, the hippo remains submerged, probably unaware of the lion’s proximity.
Forced to retreat
As the lion disappears from our view, the hippo resurfaces. After a quick scan, it realises that the big cat is just metres away, and turns to face it.
Then, in typical fashion, the hippo lunges towards the lion, causing it to jump back in alarm. Although the hippo is not fully grown, it is still big enough to intimidate the lion.
Seconds later, we see the lion timidly re-emerge and practically tiptoe away from the pond. All the while, the hippo tracks its movement, ready to defend itself if necessary.
As the lion moves away, it seems as if the hippo is safe for now.
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Different lion, same behaviour
However, moments later, a second lion arrives. As the ranger explains to his clients, this is the brother of the first lion.
Like his sibling, the equally impressive male keeps a close eye on the water as he ventures past the hippo’s pond. But will he have better luck when the hippo resurfaces?
As Einstein said, “Insanity is repeating the same behaviour and expecting a different result.” Accordingly, it comes as no surprise when the hippo lunges at the new arrival.
Subsequently, we see the second lion follow in his brother’s footsteps. Only, instead of wandering off, he sits near the water as if rethinking his strategy.
Foiled again
Next, the video cuts to a night scene. As one of the lions comes into view, it is apparent that they’ve decided to try their luck again under the cover of darkness. As before, he circles the pond
However, this time, when the other male approaches from a different angle, it is apparent that they’re trying a new strategy.
According to the ranger, they seem to be trying to flush the hippo from its refuge. But will the hippo lose its nerve or stick to its earlier belligerent tactics?
Although the lions are bolder by night and get within inches of the hippo, it refuses to budge. As a result, the lions decide they’d be better off looking for a meal elsewhere.
