When something injures animals in nature, we find it hard to watch, and there is seldom a happy ending. In this footage, an injured hippo fights to survive against ever-increasing odds.
Adele Bezuidenhout shared this challenging footage with Latest Sightings, which was filmed by Eduard Meyer and Wanzen Du Toit. The sighting occurred in South Africa’s Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Hippo in the spotlight
As we join Adele, Eduard, and Wanzen at the sighting, we see a hippo illuminated by a spotlight. It is standing in shallow water.
At first glance, nothing seems to be amiss. Hippos are semi-aquatic, typically venturing out of the water at night to feed.
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Rooted to the spot
However, as the hippo tries to walk to the shore, we realise it is not moving. Although it steps continuously, its hindquarters remain rooted to the spot.
By the looks of it, the hippo has injured its spine, rendering its hind legs useless. Another hippo most likely caused the injury in a fight, although lions may have attempted to hunt it.
Devastating bite force
After failing to make any progress, the exhausted hippo collapses onto its side in the shallow water. There, we see it breathing heavily, trying to muster its strength for a renewed effort.
Hippos are highly territorial creatures, and males in particular aggressively defend their waterways from intruding hippos. They are equipped with massive canines and the most powerful bite of any land mammal.
A sad sight
Unfortunately, after resting for a while, the poor hippo was then unable to get back onto its feet. Confused and desperate, we then see its front legs frantically trying to find purchase in the slippery mud.
However, all it succeeds in doing is spinning its huge body on the spot.
Difficult decisions
At this point, you might be wondering why no one is assisting. Although highly emotive, in general, when wild animals sustain “natural” injuries, authorities do not intervene.
Managing natural systems effectively means adopting a hands-off approach to let nature run its course, so that the ecosystem as a whole can thrive.
Exceptions to the rule
Suffice it to say that if an injury is caused by a man-made factor, for example, a poacher’s snare, authorities would intervene.
As the hippo’s struggles continue, Adele and her companions watch in silence, sombre and silent witnesses. The scene perfectly illustrates the saying that nature is a cruel mistress.
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Suspected severed spine
Adele said that they went on to check on the hippo for the next two days. By daylight, they could see numerous deep cuts in the hippo’s thick hide.
The concentration of deep lacerations along its spinal ridge seems to confirm how it was crippled.
Circle of life
Adele told Latest Sightings that by the time she had to leave, the hippo was still alive. Shortly after, however, she received news of its death.
According to the report, a pride of lions then moved in to benefit from its passing. This is the Circle of Life.
