Although the largest land animals on the planet are known for being intelligent and empathetic, elephants are still animals that exist in the wild, and part of that life is throwing your weight around.
Ravi Charan captured this elephant as it crossed the entire dam just to force these relaxed hippos back into the water, and sent the footage in to Latest Sightings.
This sighting was made in Pilanesburg National Park, and it showed the more dominant side of elephants, proving that they’re not always particularly nice to the other animals around them.
Slow And Steady
Largely due to their immense size, elephants tend to move slowly and carefully. They can be surprisingly fast and agile when the situation calls for it, but this one had decided to take the slow and steady approach.
It walked up slowly to the hippos, having spotted them from across the dam. The hippos had been sleeping the way away, so this elephant knew that there was no rush, and it could take its time with an intimidating approach.
Exactly why this elephant had decided to force these hippos back into the water is unknown. Elephants aren’t typically territorial, and the hippos weren’t being aggressive of antagonistic in any way.
Time To Clear The Lane
It might have had something to do with the fact that the elephant appeared to be rather… excited. Elephants might not have the best eyesight, but surely this big bull could tell that these hippos weren’t females of its own species.
The hippos were definitely not going to stay around and take that chance. The moment they woke up and saw what was heading their way they bailed out and started moving closer to the water’s edge, not even bothering to try and hold their ground.
Strangely Scared Hippos
The elephant followed them right to the edge of the water, making doubly sure that they didn’t stay around in the shallows and come straight back to shore once it had gone.
The submission of the hippos did seem rather strange, they outnumbered the elephant considerably, and they’re typically rather territorial around the water they live in. The elephant’s only advantage was its size.
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A Very Satisfied Elephant
This size was enough to seal the deal for the elephant, though. After it had forced the hippos back into the the water, it stood on the bank looking out at them, and surveyed the land it had managed to secure for itself.
It did look rather satisfied as it stood there flapping its ears for a few moments, before it continued its slow and careful gait through the thick mud around the water.
As far as sightings go, this one was a strange one. Why the elephant walked all the way around the dam just to depose the hippos from their resting spot is unknown.
Why the hippos didn’t fight to preserve their territory and protect their calf is also unclear, but perhaps they just weren’t in the mood for a fight, that day. It was definitely an interesting interaction between big and strong animals.