Marie explains they had just arrived at the beautiful location when they noticed that the crocodiles were being drawn by something.
She relates how, in her words, ‘about 50 crocodiles’ had gathered around a hippo carcass.
Each was trying to feed from the hippo.
Crocodiles drawn by the numbers to hippo carcass
Crocodiles are opportunistic carnivores and scavengers, meaning they will eat dead animals, including large ones like hippos. This is only if the carcass is accessible and not too decomposed.
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This hippo carcass was clearly visible above the water’s surface, resting in the shallow waters of the river.
Crocodiles wrestle for access to hippo meat
The crocodiles wrestled among themselves and twisted and turned in the water as they vied for the chance to feed off the hippo. Their spiny backs were on full display and it was impressive to see how many of them there were.
Usually, these crocs would remain hidden beneath the surface of the water, however, the presence of the carcass had drawn them out and into view.
While they will feed on a hippo carcass, live adult hippos are rarely preyed upon by crocodiles due to their massive size, thick skin, and aggressive nature. Hippos can even kill crocodiles.
Crocodiles might feed on hippo calves if they are unprotected or stray too far from the group.
The crocodiles succeeded in turning the carcass around, and continued to surround it. For the most part, this was a feeding frenzy. Every now and then, one of them would open its mouth wide, showing forth rows of sharp and threatening teeth.
This would definitely not be the moment to drink from the water’s edge if you were a buck. The crocodiles were out in numbers.
When a hippo dies naturally or from injuries, crocodiles are quick to take advantage and feed on the carcass, as these ones did.
Depending on the location, crocodiles will even share a hippo carcass with other scavengers, like vultures or hyenas.
Marie says that the feeding frenzy lasted for well over half an hour. Some of the crocodiles even rested at the side of the water, on the river banks. It was only then their sheer size could be seen.
Hippo comes to inspect carcass
Eventually, another hippo arrived on the scene. It approached the carcass displaying strange behaviour. Marie says it appeared the hippo was licking the carcass.
Hippos have been observed sniffing, nudging, or mouthing dead hippos, especially if they are from the same group. They may also stand near or guard a carcass, possibly as a social or protective behaviour.
In extremely rare cases, they have also been seen licking or even lightly biting a carcass, though this behavior is not well understood and may be driven by confusion, stress, or social attachment, rather than for feeding or hygienic purposes.
This rare sighting showcased just how much life exists within the rivers of the game reserve. This abundant life is usually hidden from view, however, every now and then something happens to bring what is hidden to the surface.
This sighting definitely makes you think twice about ever considering swimming in one of the game reserve’s rivers!