Often referred to as “donkeys in pyjamas”, zebras are not necessarily comical creatures. As this footage shows, rivalries can get pretty heated.
Bernhard Bekker of Private Kruger Safaris submitted this dramatic footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
A visit to the water trough
They say first impressions can be deceiving. As we join the action in Bernhard’s video, all seems peaceful as a herd of zebras visits a water trough.
A stallion greets one of his mares. These are Burchell’s zebras, a species found throughout Kruger and southern Africa.
Triggered
However, the peace is short-lived when suddenly the stallion spots an intruding male drinking alongside his harem.
Without hesitation, he rushes over to confront the other stallion. Herd males must defend their harems at all times, no matter the cost.
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Seizing the advantage
On seeing that he’s been spotted, the intruder inadvertently steps into the water trough. However, his hooves slip on the slimy surface.
Seizing the moment, the herd male moves in to capitalise on his advantage. Just in time, the intruder finds his feet, narrowly avoiding a bite to the neck.
Meanwhile, the other male does his best to keep his rival in the slippery trough.
Escalating violence
At this point, the intruder realises he must get out of the trough if he is to survive this battle. Accordingly, he rears up on his hind legs, forcing the other male backwards.
His ploy works. However, the battle is only just getting started. Consequently, we see both males exhibit the full range of their offensive tactics.
At various points, the stallions kick out with their back legs. Should they land a blow, there is every possibility of inflicting a broken jaw, or worse.
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Biting bullies
Surprisingly, male zebras have very sharp incisors and do not hesitate to bite. Bites to the legs can cripple an opponent, while those to the soft belly can have fatal consequences.
Accordingly, their fights are as much about avoiding injury as inflicting it.
As both males are in good condition, the battle continues for some time. As hooves fly and teeth slash, both males are giving it their all.
Amazingly, in the frenzy, neither male seems to be landing any significant blows.
However, with both resources and access to females at stake, neither one wants to be the first to back down.
Stalemate
Inevitably, though, after chasing one another around the waterhole for some time, their energy and enthusiasm for the fight begin to wane.
Consequently, the battle ends in a stalemate. In a bizarre finale, the video ends as the two combatants stand side by side, drinking from the trough where it all began.