The Incredible Standoff Between a Hippo and Rhino

A human facing either of these animals would never even stand a chance, but what happens when two of the world’s largest animals face each other? Watch this intense standoff between a hippo and a rhino.

The Standoff

“Hippo and Rhino stand off, amazing sighting at Toro River Lodges. Forsyth Family loving every minute”, Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Toro River Lodges

This footage shows an intense stand of between two of the world’s largest animals. Both species are vegetarians so we can only assume that this is a fight for territory.

Eventually the hippo escapes into the water where the rhino can’t reach it.

Hippos: Massive in Size and an Incredible Bite Force

Their biggest strength lies in their size: adults can weigh up to 4,000 pounds and reach lengths of nearly 14 feet. But don’t be fooled by their bulky size! They can run short distances on land at speeds of up to 19 miles per hour. Hippos are also excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes.

Another dangerous trait is their large mouths and strong jaws, capable of opening nearly 180 degrees and can exert a bite force of a whopping 1820 psi (almost comparable to that of an American alligator.)

Rhinos: Terrestrial Tanks

Rhinos are also tanks in their own right with their thick, protective skin and large bodies. They can weigh as much as 5,100 pounds and grow up to 13 feet in length. Rhinos can also cause real injury with their impressive horns, which is their main form of defence.

Rhinos also have a charge that can reach speeds of 30 to 34 miles per hour, making them both imposing and swift.

Who’d Win in a Fight?

Mother and Baby Hippo. Image By Jonathan Gohner via Unsplash

They’re both some of the world’s most massive animals, which it makes it all the more intriguing to consider who’d win in a fight.

Rhinos are skilled land warriors because of their strong charge and sharp horn. On the other hand, hippos can move with ease in water and also possess a scary strong bite force.

Essentially it all depends on where the fight would take place.

Standoff Between Hippo and Rhino: Wrapping Up

The white rhino lives in Africa, in long and short-grass savannahs. Rhino. Image via Depositphotos

The hippo pulled a clever move escaping into the water, but it leaves us wondering what would’ve happened if a fight broke out on dry land.

Thank you for reading this story about the standoff between a hippo and a rhino!

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Josie Messeter

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BA Gender Studies & Literature

Josie is Swedish but has lived in South Africa for 12 years. She spends as much time as possible in the ocean or hiking in the mountains, no matter the weather. Although she adores all sorts of animals, dogs occupy the biggest spot in her heart – especially her Maltese-Chihuahua named Bootsy.

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