My thanks to the wonderful Cindy Knoke for telling me about this rescue. It is truly astonishing!
The gnu, in the jaws of a crocodile, is struggling to cross the river. Death seems almost certain until a bloat of huge (usually aggressive) hippopotami circle the duo and take action. One hippo, whose maternal instinct must have taken over (assuming it’s female), lunges, mouth agape, for the crocodile. It chases it away and escorts the injured gnu safely to the opposite bank.
Amazingly, the hippo then waits by the bank, guarding the gnu against further attacks, and actually tries pushing it up the bank out of the water.
The incredible event took place on the Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya. It took place three years ago, but has only just gone viral, giving everyone a chance to see it.
Mungai and the Goa Constrictor 
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There are so many things we still need to learn about the minds of our fellow creatures. This is very touching. Maternal instincts, as you say, Amelia, stoicism, friendship, alliances, bravery. Remember the friendship between the baby hippo washed ashore by a hurricane and the giant tortoise?. Hippos are highly intelligent and fearless creatures –who would have fancied that the mighty crocodile has a contender. Thank you and Cindy for sharing.
P.S.: Just read this, heartwarming yet sad about the human/elephant conflict.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rampaging-tusker-pulls-down-house-but-rescues-trapped-baby/articleshow/31860512.cms
You are so right, Carmen, and how like the reactions in these two stories are. What an incredible elephant! I must admit, I had not heard about the tortoise and the hippo – I had to look that one up. Again, a beautiful and touching tale. It is strange how hippos can, at times, be so vicious, yet at other times so gentle and caring. Yet more proof what sentient beings animals are. Personally, I find hippos adorable. Though, of course, I wouldn’t dream of approaching one in the wild. LOL ♥
🙂
Animals seem to have more social intelligence than we grant credit.
Sadly, there is an awful lot we don’t give these sentient beings credit for, Carl. Thank you taking the time to comment ~ Amelia 🙂
I am awarding you the “Dragon Loyalty Award” and the “I’m NOT Featured on Freshly Pressed Award”. No obligation to accept, but if you’re interested, have a look at this post http://wp.me/p41c99-GV which provides the details of the award. Congratulations!
Thank you, Sage. I am honoured and would be delighted to accept your awards ~ Amelia 🙂
You’re welcome!
Reblogged this on idealisticrebel and commented:
Video of rhino saving Gnu
Thanks so much for sharing, Barbara~ Hugs, Amelia
Hippos are cranky ones and alligators keep their distance.. Great true story!
I agree. They can be quite grumpy. I understand hippos are one of the few animals crocodiles fear. All very heartening as a story, though. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I really appreciate it. ~ Amelia 🙂
‘Grumpy’ is being generous! I think hippos are responsible for more human deaths than crocodiles, and more than lions. They are some of the most aggressive and dangerous animals there are – contrary to the image we get from children’s toys and stories etc. (This individual was a real hero, though!)
Quite right, James. They deservedly don’t have the best reputation in that respect. This one was quite special, though. 🙂 Thanks for commenting. I love your posts, BTW. Always interesting and beautifully written. ~ Amelia
What finally happened? Did the gnu get out of the water after the hippo left? Did the croc come back???
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any further information. And sadly, the gnu must have been quite badly injured. Let’s just hope it all ended well and it managed to survive. If you ever hear anything, I would love to know. Thanks for the great comment. ~ Amelia 🙂
I looked it up “the exhausted antelope later managed to escape to safety.” Whew! Great post
Brilliant! Thank you, I didn’t see that. That is such a relief. Have a great rest of the week, my friend ~ Amelia 🙂 🙂
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
How Nature saves!!!
Thanks, as ever, Horty. Hugs, Amelia 🙂