Hippo Mother Chases Crocodiles Away From Dead Hippo

In this gripping footage filmed along the banks of the Luangwa River, a tributary to the Zambezi River in Zambia, a hippo mother chases a bask of crocs away from the body of a dead baby hippo, thought by the camera crew to be her baby.

The Circle of Life

Nile crocodiles are well-known for their hunting skills and can grow to astounding lengths of up to five meters. When a hippo dies, it becomes a tempting meal for these crocs. It’s how nature recycles. Nothing is wasted.

Hippos are known for their gregarious and social behavior. They often coexist with their reptilian neighbors, the crocodiles – but not always.

In this instance, three hippos, including the mother, try to protect corpse of a baby hippo from the hungry crocs. It’s a primeval standoff where the river’s guardians unite against ruthless scavengers.

Crocodile Cuisine: Crushing and Swallowing

YouTube video — Hippo Fights Crocodiles Off Dead Companion. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: BBC Earth

Alison Leslie, an expert on Nile crocodiles, sheds light on the crocs’ unique feeding habits: when dealing with bones, they can bite with a pressure of up to 2,000 pounds per square inch, absolutely crushing their meal.

Furthermore, they will vigorously shake the prey until softer parts like skin or innards slides effortlessly down their throat. Crocodiles operate with a surprising degree of cooperation, relying on each other to capture prey and employ synchronized movements to catch, kill, and consume.

Survival of the Opportunists

nile crocodile — Nile Crocodile (*Crocodylus niloticus*) on the right bank of Kafue River, Kafue National Park, Zambia. Timothy A. Gonsalves. CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Crocodiles are opportunistic predators, feasting on fish and seizing any opportunity for a large meal, especially when resources are scarce. They often lie just below the water, just out of sight.

Wrapping Up

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Jen Fitschen

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Computer Science and Oceanography

I am passionate about all animals and wildlife, especially their conservation and preservation. I grew up fascinated by the natural environment and feel most at peace surrounded by untouched nature. I live by sharing this passion with others through diving, as I am also a freediving guide - stepping into another realm, sharing the ocean with all of the intriguing marine life.

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