While both are large animals, hippos are significantly more aggressive than rhinos.
A short video capturing the encounter between a group of hippos and a rhino provides us with an interesting perspective on two species that rarely interact in the wild.
In the video, the rhino approaches as if to challenge a hippo. When the hippo retreats, the rhino chases after it, seemingly eager to engage.
However, upon getting too close to the group of hippos, the rhino is met with fierce resistance. An adult male hippo charges forward, opening its mouth wide in a threatening manner.
Being inherently gentle creatures, rhinos clearly cannot compete with hippos when they become aggressive. The rhino quickly turns and flees to find an escape route.
The video has a humorous element, causing viewers to laugh at the rhino’s reaction. However, what unfolds also demonstrates that hippos are indeed dangerous animals, as even an adult rhino does not dare to confront them.
Upon getting too close to the group of hippos, the rhino is met with fierce resistance.
Hippos are large herbivorous mammals primarily found in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa. They typically live in groups, led by a dominant male, consisting of about 20 to 30 members. Generally, hippos will dominate a section of a river, claiming it as their “territory” by driving away any approaching animals.
Although they are not carnivorous, hippos are among the most aggressive creatures in the world and are often regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
They are also the third heaviest land mammals. Adult males can weigh up to 1.8 tons and reach lengths of up to 5 meters. Despite their short legs and massive bodies, they can easily outrun humans at speeds of around 30 km/h.
A hippo’s jaws can crush a crocodile that is about 3 meters long or break the bones of an adult lion with a force comparable to that of a large sledgehammer.
It is estimated that approximately 2,900 people are killed by hippos each year. If someone inadvertently encroaches on a hippo’s territory, they will chase them, pull them into the water, and crush their boats.
