The following incredible scene was witnessed on a Private Reserve near the Kruger National Park, by guests while on a Photographic Safari with Matthew Greeff Safaris.

A territorial battle between two Waterbuck bulls fighting for dominance had left one of the bulls fleeing into the water.

On our arrival at the waterhole we saw two Hippo moving towards the seemingly wounded bull.  The Hippo cow approached even closer until to our astonishment started to circle and nudge the Waterbuck.  For the next 30 minutes our group watched as the Hippo attempted to move the Waterbuck towards the shore, until eventually her determination was successful and in awe we watched as the Waterbuck stumbled out and lay, a gaping hole visible in his side, obviously the result of the earlier territorial fight.

The Hippo followed, and stood over the now dying bull.  She once again nudged the Waterbuck, in what seemed to be an attempt to get the bull to stand up.

This Wild Encounter came to an end when the Hippo turned back towards the water, leaving the dying Waterbuck with it’s head resting on the ground…

This unique Hippo behaviour was also recorded on film a few years ago when a young Impala was attacked by a Crocodile.  A Hippo cow rushed into the shallow water, causing the crocodile to release it’s prey which then stumbled onto land where it lay severely injured.

The Hippo followed and was seen several times gently lifting the Impala’s head with it’s enormous mouth before eventually returning to the water, only after the Impala had died.

The Crocodile later returned to claim it’s prey.