The terrifying moment when a mother hippo bravely defended her newborn from a potential attack by an enormous elephant has been captured in a stunning series of photographs.
The incident unfolded during a safari at the Erindi Game Reserve in Namibia. Quintus Strauss, a seasoned photographer from Hoedspruit, Mopani, Zambia, was on site when he spotted a baby hippo frolicking with its mother. With his interest piqued, he decided to capture the peaceful scene.
The tranquility was disrupted when an agitated elephant emerged from the surrounding landscape, heading straight for the young hippo in the water. Strauss quickly picked up his camera, unknowing of the extraordinary drama about to unfold.
Strauss documented the mother hippo’s courageous intervention in the ensuing photographs as she squared off with the mammoth intruder to protect her offspring.
The elephant, photographed in Namibia, can be seen approaching the baby hippo, raising its foot to squash the tiny creature. Source: Caters News
The determined mother defended her baby against all odds, injuring the elephant’s upper trunk. The elephant, clearly in pain, retreated, leaving the mother and baby hippo to continue their day in peace.
Reflecting on the incident, Strauss recalled, “We had just returned from a morning game drive and were eating breakfast at the lodge, which overlooks a dam.
That’s when I noticed a hippo with her newborn baby. After breakfast, I was in my room reviewing the morning’s photos when I heard the alarming sound of an elephant’s trumpet and splashing water.
The baby’s mother snaps into action, opening her devastating jaws towards the angry elephant. Photographer Quintus Strauss said he thinks the hippo managed to bite the massive beast on the trunk. Source: Caters News
The cow (female hippo) knocks the elephant off balance with her ferocious bite, and the giant stumbles into the water. Source: Caters News
I rushed out to see an elephant chasing the mother hippo. I quickly grabbed my camera, and the elephant was advancing toward the baby hippo when I got back.
The baby’s mother snaps into action, opening her devastating jaws towards the angry elephant. Photographer Quintus Strauss said he thinks the hippo managed to bite the massive beast on the trunk. Source: Caters News
That’s when the mother hippo jumped into action. The fight ended with the elephant hurt on its upper trunk, likely from the hippo’s sharp teeth.
The angry elephant then plunges down to crush the helpless calf, using his trunk like a hammer. Luckily the youngster escapes. Source: Caters News
Afterward, everything returned to calm, and the mother and baby hippo carried on as if nothing had happened.”
Before the elephant tries to crush the baby, he chases the mother. Realizing the sheer size of her opponent, the cow scoots off up the hill. Source: Caters News
Undated photograph of the elephant looking at the calf after it first chased the mother hippo from the watering hole. Source: Caters News
The hippos shared an affectionate moment before the massive elephant interrupted. Source: Caters News
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