Amazing photo, SK!
Africa was very amusing this morning. Two young elephants went to Idube to play. They love playing in the water there. As I watched them having a good time, suddenly they stopped and turned around in the water. They trumpeted (or whatever, I call it yelling
) and slapped the water with their trunks. I couldn't see anything, but they moved to another location in the watering hole and continued playing. Within minutes they were yelling and slapping at the water again, highly agitated. The camera scanned the water and I could make out a small black lump heading towards the elephants. I thought it was a croc or gator. Other than being irritated, the elephants showed no sign of actual fear of the beast in the water, however they did move further down the watering hole. But to no avail, the creature kept following them. Having had enough of the water beast, the elephants got out, but kept stomping and charging at the water. Like I said, though, the elephants LOVE playing in the water, so after a bit they dove back in determined not to let the beast drive them away. But in the end and after much yelling and water slapping, they gave up and left the water.
The beast was a napping hippo. Well, he was napping until the young elephants disturbed him. I personally think he just wanted to play, too, but the elephants wouldn't let him join in on any elephant games.
I must say, though, the hippo looked mighty pleased with himself-- while the elephants stormed off, he put his butt up in the air at them.
Elephants playing when beast shows up...... Beast chases the elephants (far left one is the beast)
Elephant yells & charges the beast.(small speck in water)...Elephants resign, irritated, and leave the watering hole.
Beast waves butt at elephants
sorry so long...I'm easily amused and thought I'd share. I know the pics aren't all that great, but it's nearing nightfall there and I have little control over the camera.