Game enthusiast Belinda Joubert witnessed the entire spectacle as the waterbuck tried to cross the river from the Kruger to the Mjejane Game Reserve.
Crossing to the other side is never an easy thing for an animal. There are many unknown quantities in the water and numerous threats, such as crocodiles, strong currents, and in this instance, hippos.
Many of these threats remain hidden beneath the water’s surface and appear last minute, leaving animals which are trying to cross over startled.
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Brave waterbuck enter river in spite of hippo presence
There’s the expression, ‘The grass is always greener on the other side’. This pair of male waterbuck didn’t seem afraid to enter a river, their sights set on one thing, which was the green grass at the other side of the river. They were more than likely crossing over to find new grazing territory.
They waded into the water together and were on a good innings, not paying much attention to the eyes of some hippos peeping out at them from just above the water’s surface.
Most of the hippo were content to simply watch the buck pass through the waters. However, one of these hippos retaliated strongly against the their presence. The large, bulbous creature was not happy and was determined to do something about this!
Aggressive hippo makes a beeline for buck
This was his territory and he was determined to let the buck know it. He barreled towards them, creating impressive ripples in the pristine surface of the river as he did so. A hippo throwing a tantrum is an impressive thing to watch.
The buck ran as he approached, creating splashes and waves.
The moment was intense, and the buck ran so fast and with such nimble footwork that it almost appeared they were walking on water.
As they ran, the other hippos lifted their heads further above the water to get a better view of what was happening.
All the while, the angry, dominant male hippo continued to display his aggression and dominance.
Buck make it to the other side
The buck ran as fast as their hooves could carry them. They couldn’t get to the other side of the river fast enough.
Fortunately for them, they made it safe and sound, to the ‘greener grass’ and to safer pasture.
Hippos can be quite territorial. Male hippos will establish and defend territories in rivers, lakes, or pools, especially during the dry season when water becomes limited.
A dominant male, called a bull, controls a stretch of water and a group of females (called a harem). He will aggressively chase off rival males, often engaging in violent fights involving biting, charging, and even using their massive tusks.
Hippos will also chase other species from a river if they feel threatened or if the intruders get too close to their territory. They also have a low tolerance for crowding, meaning that they like their space in the water.
These waterbuck got a little too close for comfort and the hippo let them know it!