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.

South Dakota Woman Finds A Mysterious Crate In A Trailer Park And Uncovers Shocking Surprises Inside

For Jordan Fiegen, a kind-hearted woman from South Dakota, a chilly morning began like any other. She had no idea that something unexpected was waiting just around the corner.

While walking near her parents’ home, Fiegen noticed a peculiar crate sitting in a nearby trailer park. Something about it didn’t seem right, so she decided to take a closer look.

When she peeked inside, her heart sank. Seven tiny puppies were huddled together, shivering from the cold.

The crate was half-filled with dirty rainwater from the night before, and the puppies’ white fur was matted and covered in mud.

Fiegen felt both relieved and heartbroken. All of the puppies were alive, but they were freezing and helpless. She knew she had to act quickly.

Tiny Pups Finally Feel Safe

The little ones didn’t make a sound. Fiegen suspected they had already lost hope of being rescued. Their silence spoke volumes.

Realizing that every second mattered, she rushed to get them warm. The cold March air made it clear they wouldn’t survive much longer outside.

Soon, Fiegen learned that the puppies belonged to a neglected dog living in the same trailer park. She tried to contact the owner but couldn’t reach her right away.

Later, when they finally spoke, the owner agreed to surrender the puppies.

Fiegen gently gathered the shivering pups and carried them inside. With help from her family, she gave them warm baths and wrapped them in blankets to help raise their body temperature.

Once they were clean and dry, their snowy white fur began to shine again. Exhausted from the ordeal, the puppies drifted off to sleep, finally safe and warm for the first time.

Fiegen couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of relief knowing that the worst was behind them.

On The Road To Recovery

Thinking about what the puppies had endured brought her to tears.

“I just sobbed over them not knowing what they just went through,” Fiegen told The Dodo.

Wanting to ensure they received proper care, Fiegen contacted Almost Home Canine Rescue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The organization quickly agreed to take the puppies in.

Once they regained strength, Fiegen brought them to the veterinarian for a full checkup. The pups were treated for fleas and worms, ensuring they could start fresh.

The seven siblings: Bert, Bluey, Ernie, Bingo, Bear, Nova, and Kona, were then placed with three loving foster families.

In their foster homes, the puppies received all the love and attention they needed. Within weeks, their playful sides began to emerge.

“They are all very playful. They definitely came out of their shells after they were all bundling together and barely showing signs of life,” Fiegen said.