Gerhard Hildebrand sent this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on the Letaba River in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Geese going at it
Joining the action in Gerhard’s video, we see a battle underway. Two Egyptian geese, presumably males fight, while a third goose looks on.
As they fight, we hear one of Gerhard’s companions comment that one has the other by the head. He adds that blood is visible.
Egyptian geese are highly territorial during breeding season, so what we’re seeing is most likely a related dispute. Broadly speaking, these geese are considered aggressive, even chasing drones, humans, and pets in urban environments.
Battle rages on
As the battle rages on, the birds attempt to beat each other with their wings. Through it all, the one goose keeps its grip on the other’s head.
Meanwhile, the third goose keeps a close eye on proceedings, following the fighting pair along the bank. It is safe to assume that the third goose is the mate of the “winning” goose.
Incidentally, Egyptian geese mate for life. Consequently, both males and females help raise their young.
Free at last
As the “losing” goose takes a beating, we hear the honking of another goose incoming. Has air support finally arrived?
Whatever the case, the distraction seems to lead to the “losing” goose managing to free its head. As a result, it loses no time in fleeing its aggressor.
Frantic flight for freedom
Turning sharply, the freed goose launches into the air, determined to escape. As it does, a fourth goose swoops into view.
We can assume this is its mate, come to save the day. By the looks of it, it was just in time.
Aerial battle
Meanwhile, the original attacker sets off after his foe. At this time, it looks like we’re about to see one of the “aerial dogfights” for which these geese are renowned.
The pair fly over the river, with the pursuing goose attempting to bite the other in mid-air. We also notice that the fleeing goose is struggling to fly, likely weakened by the preceding fight.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise when it suddenly loses speed. The resulting loss of lift sees both birds stall, sending them crashing into the water below.
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Second chance
Still desperate to get away, the pursued goose is first to recover. Once again, he wastes no time in fleeing. Flapping furiously, he sets off for the far bank and, hopefully, a respite from the incessant battering.
Meanwhile, the other goose seems to struggle as it heads to the other bank. It’s not hard to imagine that both could use a rest at this stage of the game.
A brief respite
Subsequently, we see one goose taking a breather on one bank…
While the other does the same on the opposite side of the river.
Then, while it is still catching its breath, one of the other two geese comes swooping over it, honking frantically.
After a brief argument, it flies over the river, similarly honking at the bird on the far bank before flying off.
The video comes to an end shortly afterwards. While it all got a bit confusing towards the end, we hope the neighbours managed to settle their differences.
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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