Watch the sighting here:
Rainer Mauthe witnessed the hippo’s antics and sent his record of events to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at Sunset Dam, near Lower Sabie in the Kruger National Park.
Coffee at the waterhole
Rainer said he and his friends decided to enjoy their coffee alongside the popular dam. Hoping for some action, he noted that several large crocodiles were sunning themselves at the water’s edge.
To his surprise, entertainment arrived in the form of a baby hippo that emerged from the water. When it took an interest in the crocs, he started filming.
Little bully
As Mauthe’s video begins, the young hippo is seen approaching one of the crocodiles. Perhaps not used to such a forward approach, the croc moves slightly away from the calf.
Afterwards, on seeing its reaction, the youngster decided to investigate further, only this time attempting to give the croc a little nip on the side.
Excuse you!
Understandably, the large reptile was not impressed by the precocious youngsters’ advances. It moved off further, no doubt hoping the hippo would get the message.
Consequently, the hippo decided that this was a game worth pursuing. Mouth agape, it once again advanced on the unimpressed crocodile.
In response, the surprisingly tolerant crocodile decided to abandon sunbathing and return to the water. Sensing victory, the triumphant hippo followed it into the water, as if this was the goal all along.
And now what?
Whether needing to cool down after all the excitement, or undecided what to do next, the hippo considered its options in the shallows.
Temptingly, there were more crocs on the dam’s bank, but the little hippo seemed to want a bigger challenge.
Wanna play?
The little hippo didn’t have to wait long. When a large buffalo bull emerged from a nearby mud wallow, the inquisitive hippo quickly went to investigate.
Renowned for their grumpy temperament, the buffalo watched the hippo with disdain. Ignoring the bulls’ glare, the calf boldly approached.
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True to its character, however, the bull was having none of the cheeky calf’s advances. Scowl indelibly set, it turned and took a few paces towards the hippo.
Having its own tactic turned against it, the hippo quickly lost its nerve. Spinning on its heels it splashed back into the safety of the water… and Mum’s protection.
Life lessons
As with all babies, play is an important part of growing up. In the process, they learn how things work, including their place in the pecking order around the waterhole.
Waterholes are also an excellent place for us humans to learn more about Nature. Vital to all life, they are a place where we can see all sorts of interactions between wild animals.
Often, people hope to see predators hunting near water. While this does happen occasionally, it is great to know that while you wait at the water’s edge, there will be plenty to keep you entertained if you are patient.
Emphasising this point, Rainer said, “We’ve never seen a hippo getting so close to big crocodiles like that with no fear at all. It was a great sighting for us!”