Keith Raine sent this charming video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at a hyena den near Satara Camp in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Babysitting duty
According to Keith, he had been waiting near the den when one of the clan’s adults arrived and lay down near the entrance.
When hyenas have an active den site, one or more of the adults will normally act as a babysitter, there to protect the cubs.
As the action begins, we see the babysitter under attack from three boisterous cubs. Note that one cub is significantly larger than the other two.
Less to contend with
A few seconds later, the larger cub and one of its siblings focus their play on one another, giving the babysitter less to contend with.
Got you all to myself
However, that is not to say that it is now at peace. The remaining cub seems to want to prove a point.
Sneakily, the second cub approaches the unwary babysitter from behind…
Bravely, the little one launches its attack, sinking its tiny fangs into the babysitter’s thick fur. Probably more surprised than concerned, the adult raises its head to fend off the unprovoked attack.
I will prevail
However, the cub refuses to be deterred. Determined to assert its dominance, it rears up, landing its paws on the prone adult.
Showing mock aggression, the babysitter again raises its head, showing its fearsome teeth to its attacker. Meanwhile, the other two cubs battle with one another.
Playfighting
As Keith commented in his story, “It was incredible to see how gentle the [babysitter] was when biting and playing with the cubs.” This was true in both of the mock-skirmishes underway.
And he’s right. Were this a serious tussle, the adult could do serious damage with its powerful jaws.
And, while this is mere play, the behaviour does serve an important purpose. In their hierarchical communities, playfighting helps cubs learn about social dynamics and boundaries, all while building their strength.
Who’s next?
While the babysitter is preoccupied, the other cubs seem to tire of their altercation. Still full of energy, they shift their playful assault back to the weary babysitter.
By playing together, they forge and strengthen their bonds, even when the group seems uneven in number.
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You can count on me
When the time comes, they will know that they can count on one another to protect them should real trouble arise.
Still, you can’t help but feel a bit sorry for the harassed adult. Now the focus of all three cubs’ nips and bites, it is unlikely it will get much rest.
For Keith, though, the entertainment was worth hanging around for. We can highly recommend setting aside time to spend at a hyena den when next you’re in Kruger, or any place they are found.
As the video concludes, the four animals were still playing. While the three youngsters continued to harass their babysitter, we can only imagine how much it was looking forward to joining the clan on patrol.
Indeed, even an encounter with lions might be tame by comparison.
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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