I’ve just read an amazing story online about a hippo-turned-lifeguard in Tanzania. Hippos can be very aggressive creatures, and are responsible for numerous attacks on people in Africa. This hippo has decided to help its fellow beasts in their annual migration.
At a river crossing on the Mara River, video footage was shot of this hippo stopping first a young wildebeest calf, and then a young zebra foal, from being swept downstream.
If you haven’t already seen it, here is the video.
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How amazing! I loved how the hippo waited to see that each of the young animals was safe before moving away. Nature is amazing. Thanks for sharing this.
Sunshine
Yes, isn’t it amazing?! Just thinking of the level of comprehension (in understanding what the problem is) and empathy that the hippo has for another species is mind-boggling.
Remarkable! Truly! Thanks for sharing this, Lisa. I too love the way hippo patiently tends to his “friend” till the zebra safely scrambles ashore on the other side!
Yes, the hippo doesn’t just abandon the zebra when it gets close to the shore. That poor little zebra was exhausted when it go to the other side.
Amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Ahh!, that is just too awesome for words, especially since hippo’s are generally very dangerous creatures. Out of curiosity, is there any reference to the gender of that hippo?
That’s an interesting question. I don’t know whether the hippo was male or female. It didn’t say in any of the reports I read. From the nurturing behaviour though I’d guess female.