Water is a precious resource, particularly when droughts hit wildlife areas. In this video, some of Nature’s heavyweights compete for access.
Steven Kelly submitted this interesting footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the sequence while on a game drive in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park.
Down in the riverbed
As we join Steven at the sighting, we see an elephant and a hippo in a riverbed. Although not unheard of, it is somewhat unusual to see the hippo out of water in the midday heat.
Subsequently, we see the elephant raise its trunk to its mouth. This suggests that it is drinking from a pool hidden by the reeds.
Both species are seldom found far from water and depend on it for their day-to-day survival. Elephants drink twice daily, while hippos shelter from the sun in its cool depths.
Water is scarce
Looking at the embankment in the background, we see little to no grass. This suggests that it is the dry season.
Accordingly, water sources are becoming scarce, and competition for access is stressing local wildlife. So, when the hippo gets closer, the elephant turns to confront it.
Never Miss A Viral Safari Video
Competitive behaviours, like this elephant defending a water source from a hippo, are a favourite among our members. To be among the first to see our latest sighting videos, join our exclusive alert list. Click the button above to join the WhatsApp chat right now and never miss another thrilling moment.
You’re not welcome here
Although the hippo appeared content to bide its time while the elephant drank, the larger animal seemed to resent its presence.
Consequently, it flared its ears and charged towards the surprised hippo. Seeing it coming, the hippo raised its head in alarm.
Then, when the elephant kept coming, the hippo turned to flee. Unfortunately, it seemed to trip over its own feet and went crashing to the ground.
Thankfully, for the hippo, it was only a mock charge. In such a vulnerable position, the elephant could have caused serious harm.
As the elephant loomed over it, the hippo got to its feet.
Still, the elephant wasn’t satisfied. Consequently, it lunged at the hippo again, causing it to run up the embankment.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Unseen spectators
With the hippo gone, the elephant returned to the water. At this point, Steven noticed the silhouette of a pair of spectators. Do you see them in the top left?
A pair of mature male lions had been watching proceedings all along.
This was one battle they were not interested in getting involved in.
Hippo tries again
Later, the hippo tried approaching the water from a different route. However, when the elephant spotted it, he again took exception.
The poor hippo just wanted to get back into the water, but the elephant seemed convinced he wanted it all for himself.
As such, when the hippo tried to approach for a second time, the elephant’s reaction was the same.
Meanwhile, the two lions continued watching from a safe distance. There’s no sense in making a mistake others refuse to learn from.
