Henri Olckers submitted this heartbreaking footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on the S25 in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Movement in the darkness
Having set off on his game drive while it was still dark, Henri couldn’t see very well, but he could see movement. Unsure what he was looking at, he started filming.
He said, “Our first sighting of the day was a Hippo on land, far off in the distance. We thought it was alone…”
First light
As the sun rose, Henri could make out two hyenas and a hippo. The scavengers appeared to be harassing the hippo.
In a see-saw dispute, they would advance before being driven off once again by the much larger hippo.
Strange behaviour
At this stage, we have no indication explaining why the two species are behaving in this manner. As tough as hyena’s are, they’re unlikely to be able to bring down a full-grown hippo.
More so because hippos are themselves notorious for their powerful bites and massive canines, and quite capable of defending themselves.
First clue
Eventually, we get our first clue that might explain what is going on. One of the hyenas is seemingly sniffing at something on the ground.
However, we cannot see what it is, as the grass is too long and obscures our view.
Mystery solved
Eventually, the hyena picks up the mysterious object in its powerful jaws. To our horror, we realise it is a tiny hippo calf.
At this point, seeing no movement from the calf, we can only assume that it is dead, possibly stillborn.
Mom’s back
Suddenly, the hippo reappears and charges towards the hyenas, forcing them to drop the calf and run for safety.
But, no sooner does she turn her back than the pair of scavengers return. With a substantial meal at stake, they’re not about to give up easily.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
The horror!
Then, after once again driving the scavengers away, we are shocked when the calf manages to stand up. Far from being dead, it is doing all it can to return to the safety of its mother’s protection.
However, it is very weak and soon collapses into the dust. Surprisingly, the mother retreats, opening the way for the hyenas to continue their torment.
And so the cycle repeats itself. The mother returns and drives off the predators.
The calf manages to get back to its feet, but lacking the strength to get back to mum, collapses once again.
And with that, the hyenas once again attempt to drag the calf away once and for all.
Outcome not hopeful
Henri said, “This continued for approximately 30 minutes until the distance and vegetation made it difficult to get a clear view.”
Concluding his account of this challenging sighting, Henri said, “When we left, the hippo mom had moved a bit more behind the bushes but was still holding off the hyenas.
But, he was not optimistic that the calf would have survived the continued assault, saying, “I just don’t know if the calf would have survived anyway. [It] seemed very weak.
