Watch the sighting here:
Carolyn Wridgway and her family witnessed the incident and sent her account to Latest Sightings. The encounter occurred at a waterhole near Muzandzeni Picnic Site in the Kruger National Park.
Calf in deep water
As Carolyn’s video begins, we see a hippo that appeared to be trying to rescue a kudu calf that had entered the water for reasons unknown.
However, as the sighting progressed, it became obvious the hippo was being far from gentle with the distressed calf. As the calf was pushed through the water, it became evident that the hippo was trying to bite it.
Deep trouble
There was little that the poor kudu could do as the much larger hippo pushed it through the water. Eventually, the once unthinkable happened as the hippo bit the kudu.
Then followed a period during which the hippo threw the now limp calf around in the water, repeatedly clamping it in its massive jaws.
At the water’s edge
After a while, the hippo brought the now dead calf to the water’s edge. Subsequently, a new arrival added to the unfolding drama.
A pack of wild dogs arrived on the scene and took a keen interest in the hippo’s grisly prize. To begin with, they kept a respectable distance, as the hippo continued to bite the carcass.
It’s worth mentioning that these dogs may have chased the calf into the water earlier.
Free meal?
At some point, the dogs realised there was the possibility of a free meal, if they could just get the calf away from the possessive hippo.
While they weighed up the odds, the hippo continued to brutalise the carcass; its massive lower canine penetrating it entirely.
Ultimately, the dogs approached and began feeding on the kudu’s hindquarters while the hippo continued to chew the upper body.
Possessive
After letting the dogs feed for a while, the hippo seemed to change its mind and want the kudu for itself. Given its huge advantage in size and strength, the dogs sensibly backed off.
Again, the hippo chewed at the carcass. Having tasted fresh flesh, however, the dogs were not about to give up on the remains.
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As if sensing this, the hippo pushed the kudu into deeper water…
Strangely, moments later it had an apparent sense of humour failure and took off after the dogs, sending them scattering in all directions.
Fickle hippo
Stranger still, after that display of aggression, the hippo appeared to lose interest and wandered off a short distance.
At that, the dogs immediately retrieved the carcass from the water to continue their feast. They subsequently dragged it some distance from the water, ensuring no further interference from the hippo.
Not-so-happy-hippo
No doubt, the hippo’s behaviour was the most shocking aspect of this incident. However, it is very much in keeping with their nature.
Firstly, hippos are highly aggressive and territorial, so when the unwitting kudu entered its waterhole, it attacked the perceived intruder.
Secondly, there are several records of hippos eating meat. There is no conclusive reason for this behaviour, but theories include food scarcity and supplementing minerals into their diet
Why animals do what they do has little, if anything, to do with human emotional values. For them, it all boils down to one thing: survival.