If we were to make a list of African animals we would want to be, somewhere at the bottom would be the kudu and the impala, as each are seemingly vulnerable to anything that breathes in Africa. Every day in South Africa is a a struggle for survival for these kinds of prey animals, as it isn't just predators that that pose a threat. In this video, we see a territorial hippo that has taken an interest in an unfortunate kudu that was at the wrong swimming hole at the wrong time. Before long the kudu is struggling to escape, and in short order, things take a much darker turn. After nearly drowning and disemboweling the kudu, the hippo drags it to shore where a pack of opportunistic wild dogs just happens to be hanging out. The dogs quickly try to steal the kill away, which makes the hippo decide it does not want to give it up!
Such lopsided three-way battles are common in South Africa's Kruger National Park. It's likely the kudu's only crime was getting into the hippo's personal space, which was probably the whole waterhole. Of course, the hippo wasn't trying to "save" the kudu as the child heard in the video was narrating. It makes sense that her grandparents wouldn't reveal the ugly truth of the situation being captured on video.
Wild dogs are extremely cunning when it comes to acquiring their meals. Few animals would be willing to brave the wrath of an angry hippo just for a chance to eat. Even though the kudu was already drowned and gored to death, hippos are some of the most dangerous animals on the planet. According to the video's description, the hippo eventually left and the dogs had their feast. When they were finished, the vultures moved in. It may not be pretty, but this is how things operate in nature. At least nothing goes to waste in the wilds of Africa.
For more outdoor content from Travis Smola, be sure to follow him on Twitter and check out his Geocaching and Outdoors with Travis YouTube channels.
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