Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water…
Well, when it’s Lake Saint Lucia you’re talking about then it is never safe to go into the water, thanks to the hippos, crocodiles and sharks that populate this aquatic environment. Better to be safe ON the water then? Only if you don’t encounter this playful young hippo, seemingly intent on making a meal of the tourist launch!
Luckily for the tourists on the boat, mom intercedes and calls him to order, dispensing quick discipline hippo-style with a bite and a roll on top of the little delinquent.
This delightful scene played out while we were enjoying a guided launch-tour of Lake Saint Lucia aboard the Santa Lucia, during our recent visit to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. We’ll share more photos and memories from the cruise in an upcoming edition of de Wets Wild.
DeWetsWild 
My children used to play that “Hungry Hungry Hippo” game.
Unlike the plastic hippos in the game, this is authentic!
And mama’s in control here and baby had to listen. She won.
Nice to have you visit with us again Mary!
If they get hold of you, this mom-and-baby combination could do considerably more damage than the noisy plastic toys 😉
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Lovely shots, definitely looks like this guy tried to bite off more than he could chew
Thanks James! I think things could have turned out a lot worse if it was one of the adults tugging on the vessel…
Interessante gedrag.Een van die diere waarvoor ek baie bang is!
Ja-Nee, ek wil hulle ook beslis nie te voet raakloop nie.
Great story! Just when you think you’d seen it all something like this happens – the story of the bush never ends 🙂
Thanks Maurice! Exactly experiences like this that fuels our addiction 😀
Oh wow, awesome sight! When we went, all they did was lounge in the water, snort and call out to one another! Enjoyed that too 🙂
No one should leave St. Lucia before doing a launch-tour of the lake, you’d agree Namz?
100%! Its a must do 🙂
Aww so cute! It’s just a baby hippo! It just wants its mama 🙂
His mom didn’t seem as sympathetic with his antics as you, Maida!
No its mom was telling him/her off already!
Love these captures! 🙂
Thanks very much, Amy!
This is way too cute! Oooh, looks like the little one is in a heap of trouble with mama!
Mom definitely wasn’t impressed with him “mixing” with the humans, that’s for sure Lois!
Looks like the hippo was teething. Just needed to chew on a pacifier….no matter where it was attached.
On an animal that size the itching gums must have been enough to drive him crazy! 😉
Look awesome, I would’ve freaked out lol those things are dangerous 😛
That’s so true, they are extremely dangerous! I knew a lady that was killed by a hippo. You should be very careful when walking anywhere hippos occur.
Oh, no, now I have the song stuck in my head…or at least the “Hungry, hungry, hippo” part. Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp!
janet
😀
I hope you get rid of that earworm soon Janet!
‘n Seekoei is maar kwaai en ek sal nooit met hulle sukkel nie en hulle hol vinniger as ‘n krokodil
Dis die reine waarheid Tina! Ek het n dame geken wat deur n seekoei doodgebyt is. Mens moet uiters versigtig wees vir hulle.
Ja hulle het vreeslike tande.