Sunset Dam is known for its rich wildlife scenes and its incredible sunsets. Hippos and crocodiles often gather here, and it is a bird-watcher’s paradise.
This rare encounter was filmed by Hayley Myburg.
Large hippo approaches feeding croc
A pod of hippos could be seen congregated in the waters. They were made visible by their telltale ears and eyes, which were jutting out above the water’s surface.
One hippo, however, could be fully seen and was approaching a crocodile, which was lounging at the water’s edge, feeding on an impala carcass.
The pod of hippos watched on as the hippo approached the crocodile with determination. Some of the hippos followed close behind her. She was a hippo on a mission.
She made her way straight to the feeding crocodile, which seemed oblivious to any threat.
She was clearly not happy by the croc’s presence. Hippos are not predators and don’t eat meat under normal circumstances, so she wasn’t interested in the actual impala carcass.
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However, what must’ve upset her was the crocodile’s position right next to the water’s edge where the group of hippos were gathered.
As highly territorial and unpredictable animals, hippos don’t share their turf very easily. Hippos can become aggressive if crocodiles get too close to the water’s edge, or too near to where they or their pod is resting, drinking, or guarding young.
Followed by an entourage of hippos, the angry hippo now went right up to the crocodile to disturb its peace, biting at it as a demonstration of its dominance.
The crocodile shifted position and turned away from the encroaching threat.
The hippo had made it clear to the reptile that it was too close for the hippo pod’s liking. The crocodile had heeded the warning and moved away from the water’s edge.
It continued to hold onto the impala carcass as it moved away from the hippos.
Peace returns to Sunset Dam
Peace returned to the dam setting, and the hippos seemed much more content with the crocodile a little out of the way. The aggressive hippo which had bit at the croc turned her attention elsewhere, possibly towards a hippo calf which was in the water close to her.
This calf and her instinct to protect the young hippo had possibly been the reason she had been so insistent the crocodile leave the banks of the dam.
Despite both being large and territorial, hippos and crocodiles often share the same rivers and dams. Crocodiles tend to give hippos a wide berth because hippos are more aggressive and vastly stronger on land and in shallow water.
In cooler hours, crocodiles can sometimes be seen sunning themselves on the banks just metres from hippos, as this one did. This proximity is usually peaceful, as long as no boundaries are crossed. The moment a hippo feels crowded, the crocodile may be chased away.
In this instance, the croc was wise not to argue with the bossy hippo. He got to keep his carcass and all ended well for him.