An Unexpected Wake-Up Call
The video, filmed by ranger Mike Kirkman at MalaMala Game Reserve, begins in the middle of a tense moment. Two buffalo are resting in the shade of tall grass on a dry riverbed, enjoying the stillness of the afternoon.
Their bodies are relaxed and their eyes half-closed, presenting a picture of calm in the African bush. All is not calm however, because the water has been hiding an uninvited guest.
A small crocodile had been silently approaching as the buffalo. Its scaly body shimmered as it made its way closer and closer to the unsuspecting pair.
The Moment of Realization
The footage captures the exact instant one buffalo wakes up and becomes aware of the danger. Its head jerks up suddenly, and it locks its eyes on the reptilian shape now only a few feet away.
Mud kicks up as it scrambles to its feet, clearly startled by the close proximity of the predator. The buffalo squares its stance and keeps its gaze fixed on the crocodile, signalling that it won’t be taken by surprise again.
For a few tense seconds, neither animal moves much. The buffalo swishes its ears and tail, a subtle but unmistakable sign of agitation.
Its large frame casts a shadow over the riverbank, while the crocodile continues to drift past, unhurried but purposeful. Perhaps the crocodile was merely investigating or searching for a better sunning spot, but in the wild, such close encounters always carry the potential for danger.
Crocodiles are opportunistic predators and, although this one seemed small compared to the buffalo, they are known to target larger animals, especially if they catch them off guard.
An Uneasy Coexistence
In many parts of Africa, buffalo and crocodiles share the same waterways, and while they rarely interact closely, both species are aware of the other’s capabilities. Adult buffalo are formidable, weighing up to 900 kilograms and capable of delivering powerful kicks or charges.
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Crocodiles, on the other hand, possess some of the strongest bite forces in the animal kingdom and can launch explosive attacks from the water’s edge. Most confrontations between the two end without violence as mutual respect keeps them from pushing their luck.
The Crocodile Moves On
After a brief stare-down, the crocodile breaks the tension by continuing along its path, slipping further down the river. The buffalo watches it the entire time, ears still flicking, until it is satisfied the reptile is at a safe distance.
Only then does it relax, lowering its head slightly but still keeping an eye on the water. Its companion, having been roused by the commotion, rests beside it but is equally alert.
This brief but thrilling encounter is a perfect example of how quickly the calm of the African bush can change. For these buffalo, an afternoon nap turned into a moment of potential danger in just a heartbeat.
It’s a reminder that in the wild, even moments of rest require a degree of vigilance because predators can appear at any time and from any direction!
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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