The priceless moment was sighted by the Gezanftombi Dam in the Kruger National Park, near Crocodile Bridge.
Watch The Sighting:
Chasin Africa Safaris captured on film what might be the luckiest wildebeest in Kruger as a group of hippos charged in to break a crocodile’s grip.
The standoff took place at Gezanftombi Dam, near Crocodile Bridge in Kruger National Park.
Field guide Chase of the safari group was left in awe by the sheer act of goodwill displayed by the hippos.
Africa’s rivers are a hot spot for standoffs between its massive inhabitants. These rivers draw herds of thirsty prey, making them ambush zones for crocs.
For the most part, these animals remain hidden from view. Hippos and crocs are often seen with just their backs sticking out from the water; hippos resemble boulders, while crocodiles blend in like floating logs.
Every now and then, these magnificent animals make a grand appearance and surface fully. This was one such sighting.
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It all began with a wildebeest venturing too close where a huge crocodile was preparing its ambush.
The wildebeest was part of a herd, inching forward to the edge of the bank for a drink.
Crocodile Attacks Wildebeest
As the wildebeest dropped its guard, the crocodile lunged and grabbed it by the head.
The huge crocodile had its jaws locked onto the wildebeest’s head and dragged it across the riverbed.
The wildebeest looked only half the size of the crocodile as it was pinned to the ground.
What appeared to be a hopeless scramble changed when the hippos watched the wildebeest’s struggle as it was being held down by two crocodiles, one holding the head, and a smaller one latched onto the hind hoof.
Little did the crocodiles know, the hippos were already circling them, preparing for a charge.
Hippos Come To The Rescue
The hippos then gathered around the distressed wildebeest, surrounding it as if to protect it. This is not the only reported case of hippos helping animals get across to the other side of rivers and dams, or to evade attacks.
The wildebeest battled to keep its head above the waves caused by the commotion, but the hippos closed in on the croc and wildebeest, providing something of a safety net for the croc’s intended prey.
Hippos Chase The Croc Away
Having chased the crocodiles away, the hippos then guided the wildebeest to the shore, almost as if they were standing guard.
The wildebeest emerged from the waters with an injured back foot and an undetermined future. It is hard to say what happened to the animal after this, however, spectators who witnessed the act of sheer kindness by he hippos will never forget what they saw.
This was a memorable moment showing the courage, honour, and goodwill that exists in wildlife’s interactions.
Speaking for his travel group, Chase said: “It was exciting to watch in the beginning, but then a deep sense of sadness overcame everyone. Nature can be cruel, but the circle of life must go on.”
As cruel as nature can be, it can also be kind, and these Good Samaritan hippos will never be forgotten.