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Mad Hippo

To the first-time safari-goer, the hippopotamus may seem like a big, fat, unattractive, lazy – and boring - creature, which spends most of its time lolling around in the water doing nothing. However, few people know that there is a more dynamic and spectacular side to these enormous artiodactyls. The unrivalled territoriality of this semi-aquatic quadruped often translates into an unbelievably short-tempered and aggressive personality. Particularly, the males are continuously fighting each other for dominance and territory. A hippo’s continuous ‘yawning’ is not really to express sleepiness; rather the size of its teeth to warn off intruders and contestants! Splashing water by shaking its massive head is another warning sign and definitely not innocent play!

Filename
VGR_20140830_2366a2.jpg
Copyright
2014 - V.E. Grafhorst - wildscenics.com
Image Size
4568x3045 / 8.1MB
Contained in galleries
Image of the Month
To the first-time safari-goer, the hippopotamus may seem like a big, fat, unattractive, lazy – and boring - creature, which spends most of its time lolling around in the water doing nothing. However, few people know that there is a more dynamic and spectacular side to these enormous artiodactyls. The unrivalled territoriality of this semi-aquatic quadruped often translates into an unbelievably short-tempered and aggressive personality. Particularly, the males are continuously fighting each other for dominance and territory. A hippo’s continuous ‘yawning’ is not really to express sleepiness; rather the size of its teeth to warn off intruders and contestants! Splashing water by shaking its massive head is another warning sign and definitely not innocent play!