This might be the first ever recorded rescue of a baby zebra and a
wildebeest by the same hippo on the Mara River close to Lemala Mara camp.Both were rescued within space of 10 minutes as they crossed over from the Lamai side. The photos and videos were captured by Michael Yule and other guests as they were watching a major wildebeest crossing at the time.
The hippo was watching as the wildebeest herd swam past. As soon as the calf jumped in, the hippo swam up to it and pushed it along all the way across until it had reached safety on the other side. It then went back and did the same for a zebra foal just minutes later
The wildebeest and zebra are now moving down in large numbers from the Masai Mara across the Lamai plains and crossing the Mara River. Guests of Lemala Camp are witnessing crossings every day. Some of
the herds have arrived north of Lobo.
Oh my gosh! This gave me goosebumps! We were in S. Africa May 2011, and saw so many hippos. One quite close! This is incredible.
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What a great experience for you. Lucky girl 🙂
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PS_ It’s a helpful hippo! How wonderful!
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It’s not often that hippos get good press is it ? 🙂
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No!
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Judy, this is a wonderful post. Like you replied to Cindy – hippos do not usually get ‘good press’ being considered so dangerous. Yet here is one with compassion. I absolutely love it. A great example to not judge everyone in any particular ‘group’ by what makes the news. Thank you so much for this!
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Yes it’s nice to think that animals have a lot more to them than what humans give them credit for isn’ it?
I really think we underestimate all of them.
cheers Judy 🙂
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This is so fantastic! A hippo with motherly instincts. Well, why am I surprised about a Hippo Hero? There’s more innate goodness in the animal world than we will ever now. Thanks so much for sharing this one. It’s absolutely special. 🙂
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Amazing! Makes you wonder what else goes on in the wild when we’re not watching for it… 🙂
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Too true 🙂
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Too true 🙂
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Some people think that animals don’t have the power to reason. I do not believe this hippo was acting from mindless instinct. They are actually very dangerous and this one was being deliberately helpful. I loved seeing this. Thanks.
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How wonderful… Thanks so much for this! ♥
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So glad you enjoyed this 🙂
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