Rogan, videographer and photographer at Africa on Foot, and field guide Francois were left stunned when nature pulled out all of its stops before their eyes by a waterhole in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.
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Rogan explained that they had heard over the radio that there were wild dogs on the tar road so they didn’t hesitate to drive to the sighting.
“When we found the wild dogs we were excited but had no idea what was about to unfold.”
An unexpected unfolding of events
The wild dogs ran alongside the river bank by waterhole where they had parked their vehicle.
Another animal in the water, an impala, which was trying to cross to the other side.
“When we saw the little impala in the water, there was a buzz of excitement at the prospect of seeing a successful chase go down, but my heart did break watching it desperately looking for an exit strategy. It’s a hard reminder of the cruel nature of the wild.”
However, another player was about to enter the scene. In the water, pursuing the impala, was the dark shadow of a hippo!
Followed by the hippo and holding the attention of the wild dogs, the impala waded through the water with all of its might.
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“Everyone on the scene was waiting in anticipation, to find out if the impala would somehow escape, or if the wild dogs would end up having a victorious breakfast.”
The wild dogs watched from the river banks; ears pricked up to alert. This, and the ominous hippo’s presence made for riveting viewing.
At one point, the hippo disappeared beneath the water, and everyone held their breath.
Buck succumbs to hippo’s attacks
The little buck put in all its effort and energy into evading capture but the hippo proved to be a formidable opponent. It closed in on the buck at speed.
“Out of nowhere, a huge hippo lunged himself out of the still waters, with jaws clamping down onto the poor impala, taking it out instantly!” said Rogan.
It then turned its attention to the wild dogs. It seems the large animal wasn’t too happy about their presence, and it opened it mouth to reveal some giant teeth. The wild dogs were in no doubt that it meant business.
It then proceeded to walk out of the water; holding everyone, including the wild dogs’ attention.
The hippo was now in clear view. The rare sight of a hippo out of water left everyone breathless.
An unusual gathering of animals
Another species joined in the unusual gathering of predators. Some hyenas stood among the hippo and the wild dogs. They were there for the same reason as the others: for impala meat.
Francois, a field guide who driving with his family at the time, spoke of the riveting interaction between the animals: “What blew our minds was the wild dog jumping into the water trying to reach a swimming impala while the hippo fought off the other wild dogs on the bank!”
Having made a kill, the wild dogs and hyenas fought over a lifeless impala.
This raw scene from nature was both heartbreaking and awe-inspiring. Nature flexed its muscles to show its power through the dynamic interplay of animals.
At times, nature can surprise one in pulling out all of the stops and this was definitely one of those moments.