Only, just when things got heated up, a tooth got in the way! The incredible sighting was filmed by Marlo Hartman in the Idube Game Reserve.
Hippos battle it out in display of dominance
It’s no secret that hippos are highly territorial. This is especially evident in and near water, which is the centre of their survival and social life.
Dominant male hippos (bulls) defend stretches of river, lake, or shoreline mainly to secure mating rights and safe resting space. They often control groups of females and young and will fight other adult males that enter their zone.
Hippo rivals bulldoze through water towards one another
These two hippos made a beeline for one another. It was clear that the water wasn’t big enough for the two of them, and in their thinking, one of them had to go!
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Hippos open mouths to reveal frighteningly large teeth!
As the hippos battled it out, they displayed their magnificent teeth. These were big boys and their teeth were put on display like terrifying daggers. Seeing the teeth, game viewers could understand why hippos are considered among the most dangerous of animals.
To put it into perspective, hippos have one of the strongest bites of any land animal. Their bite is roughly 1,800 to 2,000 PSI. This is strong enough to crush bone and cause catastrophic trauma during fights.
This bite force is used by males in territorial and dominance battles, where they lunge with mouths wide open and stab or slash with tusk-like canines.
It’s like a sword fight, only the swords in question are their teeth! Hippo canines can reach around 50cm in length and are specifically evolved for fighting, not chewing.
Because fights can be brutal and involve stabbing, crushing and twisting motions, hippos frequently leave rivals badly injured, sometimes fatally wounding them.
Wrestling match ensues between determined hippos
These rival hippos chased on another in and out of the water. They wrestled one another in the watery depths, and showed impressive might and power as they did so.
It seemed they were willing to fight to the death, if needs be.
Hippos move to the shore to continue battle for dominance
The two determined hippos then took their violent skirmish to the shore, and one of the hippos sunk his teeth into the other’s hide. He bit at his rival with fury. That had to hurt!
Large tooth gets in the way
Only, in his zealous biting he perhaps got a little carried away, as it seemed he couldn’t get one of his teeth out afterwards. This meant that he had to walk alongside his rival, as the large animal protested on the shore.
From this sighting, it was evident that there is more to hippo pods than meets the eye. Hippos live in pods with a strict ranking system. Younger males stay on the edges until they’re strong enough to challenge for territory.
These two hippos were more than ready for their showdown. It was unfortunate that a tooth got in the way!
Hyperactive Baby Hippo Scares Everyone In The Waterhole
This amusing video was sent to Latest Sightings by Isa Carter. She filmed it at a water hole in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
I’m bored!
It’s often said that an “only child” can be a challenge, especially for friends and neighbours. And, judging by the events in this video, the same is true in the animal kingdom.
As Isa’s video begins, we see a lone hippo calf standing on the banks of its water hole. In the background, a herd of zebras await their turn to come down for a drink.
Amusing itself
It would seem that it has no one to socialise with. Nevertheless, as it runs around, it appears quite content to burn off the excess energy of youth on it’s own.
After charging around on the water’s edge for a while, it decides to return to the water, seemingly delighted at the big splash it makes.
For a chubby calf, it is surprisingly light-footed. As it takes to the water, it continues to amuse Isa and her companions with its antics. Quite what the rest of the onlookers think is open to debate.
Its mother, seen in the foreground above, seems content to watch the calf at play. Like any harried mum, she is probably enjoying a moment alone.
Thirsty zebras
Meanwhile, when the rambunctious calf took to the water, the zebras headed down to the water to slake their thirst. However, when the calf notices them, it cocks its ears in interest.
Potential playmates?
Consequently, it would seem that the calf saw the new arrivals as potential playmates. Subsequently, the over-enthusiastic calf set off towards the zebras with all the joys of youth.
Unfortunately for the little hippo, his barrelling approach was a bit much for the skittish zebras. In response, they turned and trotted away from the water’s edge.
By the time he emerged from the water, the zebras had retreated to the nearby treeline. Evidently, the hippos’ behaviour was a bit much when all they wanted was a quiet drink.
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Abundant energy
Nonetheless, their disappearance did little to dampen the calf’s enthusiasm. He had energy to spare and was going to burn it off one way or the other. Even if it meant playing with elephant dung…
As Isa’s video draws to an end, the little hippo, undeterred, continued to charge up and down on the lakeshore.
And, despite his protestations of innocent fun, the zebras in the background remained unwilling to join in the fun.
Playful practice
As amusing as the young hippo’s behaviour is, it actually serves an important part of its early development. Playtime for young animals is the time when they will learn the various skills necessary for long-term survival.
Hippos are highly territorial creatures, particularly in their aquatic homes. As such, while the calf may not be doing so intentionally, it is employing various behaviours that in later life will help it assert its territorial dominance.
These include charging towards intruders, patrolling the domain, and gaping jaw displays. Of course, at this stage in its life, it is all in the spirit of play.
However, later in life, these skills may mean the difference between life and death. Whatever the outcome, for us as observers, they’re both fascinating and fun to observe.
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