Life in the wilderness can be tough, with essential actions like having a drink carrying the extreme risk of being vulnerable to water-dwelling animals like this enormous and dangerous hippo.
This lion pride at the Kapama game reserve must have been aware of the risks but like every other animal on the planet, water was essential for their survival, and they needed to get a drink.
Ominous Approach
There were several lions already on the banks of the watering hole by the time the hippo got close to them. They were enjoying a nice drink in the heat of the day, while keeping a wary eye on the threat which was steadily approaching.
With only the top of its head poking up above the water, the hippo closed in at a moderate speed, surely already aware that it had been detected, but unwilling to expend too much effort to frighten the big cats too soon.
As it moved closer, the lions began to get a little more worried about its presence. There was no way that they could justify its approach as a coincidence, and one lioness decided it wasn’t worth the risk and retreated from the water’s edge, quickly followed by the other.
Establishing Territorial Boundaries
The only male lion present was also keeping a close watch on the approaching hippo, but he didn’t retreat until the hippo actively spooked him and the lionesses accompanying him.
Once the first two lionesses had retreated, the hippo must have thought it was going to lose the opportunity to properly scare the big cats away, so it heaved its enormous body out of the water in a small bound that demonstrated its strength.
It didn’t move far, but to displace that much water with its little jump did show just how much muscle these animals are hiding beneath their deceptively fat appearance, and simultaneously take it into shallower waters where it could quickly accelerate.
Hippos might emerge from their watery homes to graze during the cooler temperatures of the night, but they are also fiercely territorial of that same water, and when other animals approach they become targets of its wrath.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Big Scaredy Cats
The lions would have been more than capable of outrunning the hippo if the situation had demanded it, and they didn’t retreat too far. They moved back to a safe distance, ready to flee further if the hippo pursued them, but otherwise held their ground.
Angered by their reluctance to flee, the hippo made as if to chase the lions several times to try and scare them into retreating further, but ultimately it didn’t feel the need to fully leave the water.
One thing was for certain, the lions were definitely going to keep their distance, as a second hippo made its presence known to help the first in deterring them, and the risks of approaching the water became far too great.
They seemed aware that the hippos were unlikely to follow them far from the water, and lingered in the dunes on the banks while they considered their next moves.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
Be the first to comment on this article!