Every year, from July to October, one of the most magnificent natural phenomena on the planet occurs in Africa: the Great Migration.
This is the journey of millions of mammals from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Masai Mara grasslands in Kenya, and vice versa. This migration includes various species such as zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and many others.
The primary reason for this migration is to search for food and water. As the dry season begins in the Serengeti, the grass withers and water sources dry up, forcing herds to move northward in search of greener pastures and more abundant water in the Masai Mara. During this journey, zebras often lead the way, playing a crucial role in paving the path for other species.
A herd of hippos rushes to attack crocodiles, rescuing a herd of zebras.
However, this journey is anything but easy. The herds face numerous dangers and challenges. They must traverse vast grasslands where predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas are present. But perhaps the greatest challenge is crossing the Mara River, where giant Nile crocodiles lie in wait.
This year, during the migration, a noteworthy situation occurred at the banks of the Mara River. A herd of zebras, as usual, arrived first and had to face the danger posed by Nile crocodiles. As the zebras began to wade across the river, the crocodiles suddenly ambushed them. The situation became extremely tense as many zebras were attacked and pulled under the water.
In that moment of danger, an unexpected intervention took place. A herd of hippos, residing in the area, recognized the peril faced by the zebras. Although hippos are often known to be aggressive and territorial, in this case, they responded surprisingly.
The hippos began to move toward the struggling zebras. With their massive size and superior strength, the hippos created a protective barrier between the zebras and the attacking crocodiles. They even counterattacked the crocodiles, forcing them to retreat and abandon their pursuit.
Thanks to the timely intervention of the hippos, the majority of the zebras were able to safely cross the Mara River. Although there were still some losses, this number was significantly reduced compared to what could have happened without the hippos’ assistance.
This event is not only a rare example of cooperation between species in nature, but also a testament to the complexity and unpredictability of the wild. It shows that even in the harshest environments, unexpected acts of kindness and cooperation can still occur.
