Hippo Saves Waterbuck From Wild Dogs – Londolozi Blog

Once wild dogs are up and on the move, the pace of the game drive increases as it can be challenging to keep up with them. It’s always an exhilarating and exciting experience following these animals on the move, as you never quite know what may unfold if you are able to stick with them.

With all the commotion, the hippo awoke and took a fair interest in staring in the waterbuck’s direction with as much intrigue as all the eyes from our vehicles. This instinctual act of seeking refuge in water is a behaviour unique to waterbuck, driven by both evolutionary advantages and immediate survival needs. Other antelope like impala are also known to sometimes run into the water to avoid predation, but without the unique adaptations, waterbuck have.

Waterbucks have developed a symbiotic relationship with their watery surroundings. Their thick, oily fur is specially adapted to repel water, allowing them to swim with ease and remain buoyant. This gives them a unique edge when predators are closing in, as many terrestrial predators, such as wild dogs, are less adept at swimming and are often hesitant to pursue prey in deep water. Fortunately for this waterbuck, the hippo’s presence was likely what prevented the wild dogs from pursuing it any further as the water levels were not that deep.

After some time of all three animals standing in a check-mate, the hippo gave a warning sign of irritation to all the disturbance around his territory. Even though it was a sign of aggression, it was fascinating to watch the young waterbuck not move an inch watching a mighty jaw display not two meters away from it.

The young waterbuck’s decision to dash into the water was not just a desperate gamble, but a calculated move grounded in instinctual wisdom. Water bodies serve as natural barriers and can significantly slow down or deter predators. In this case, I think the hippo’s presence is what predominantly deterred the wild dogs, as the water levels were not too high given the time of year, and I am sure without the hippo, they may have splashed across the water trying to close the gap.

While the hippo remained slightly agitated but did not present any further signs other than the odd yawn, and the waterbuck seemingly not at all phased by the hippo’s companionship, it was the wild dogs that eventually lost interest in waiting and cut their loss by leaving the edge of the water to continue hunting elsewhere. The waterbuck slunk deeper under the water, the hippo seemed to relax and when the waterbuck felt confident the coast was clear, it slinked out of the water.