Tag: wildebeest

Watch: Wildebeest boldly protects mother and calf of another species

The “thrilling spectacle” unfolded in front of safari tourists on an afternoon drive in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve in South Africa.

Wildebeests usually stick together in herds to protect themselves from predators, but in this case, a lone wildebeest bull boldly stood its ground to protect a distressed mother waterbuck and her calf from wild dogs.

The “thrilling spectacle” unfolded in front of safari tourists on an afternoon drive in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which is next to South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

The waterbuck and its calf were standing in water at Mandleve Dam, chased there by a pack of wild dogs, according to the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve Instagram post.

“The dogs attempted to attack the calf, but were courageously repelled by a wildebeest bull who defended the distressed waterbuck as if they were his own family,” the post stated.

“Despite numerous attempts by the dogs to approach the water, they were bravely confronted by the protective wildebeest. Eventually, the dogs gave up as daylight faded, avoiding the risk of being injured by the wildebeest’s sharp horns.

“The guests at Baobab Ridge Game Lodge watched in awe at the display of bravery and unity among the diverse wildlife. It was a reminder of the intricate balance of nature, where even the most unlikely alliances could form in the face of danger.”

Watch: Hippos rescue wildebeest from attacking crocodiles

A visitor at South Africa’s Kruger National Park has captured a remarkable scene in which hippos rescued a wildebeest from attacking crocodiles.

A tour guide at South Africa’s Kruger National Park has captured a dramatic and remarkable scene in which hippos rescued a wildebeest from attacking crocodiles.

The accompanying graphic footage, captured by Chase Kurucz, shows two large crocodiles clutching the wildebeest by its head and leg, respectively, at water’s edge.

“We stopped to watch all the animals come down to drink and saw a cool heron surfing on the back of a hippo, it was an enjoyable sight,” Kurucz, of Chasin’ Africa Safaris, is quoted by News 24.

“An unsuspecting group of wildebeest sauntered down to the water’s edge for a drink when a huge crocodile jumped right out and immediately grabbed one of the wildebeest, keeping its jaws locked on the animals head.”

As stated in the video, the crocs were attempting to drag the wildebeest into the water to spin and drown the animal. But their plan was doomed thanks to the presence of so many massive hippos.

One hippo is seen charging the crocs and several others surround them in a show of force that ultimately prompts the crocs to release their grasp on their prey.

Kurucz wasn’t sure if the hippos wanted in on the wildebeest kill or were merely trying to thwart the crocs’ attempts at securing a feast.

“They kept the wildebeest surrounded and it all looked like a pretty hopeless situation,” he said. “[But] the wildebeest was obviously exhausted and it seemed as if the hippos sensed its fear of the whole ordeal.

“They calmly kept close to the wildebeest but he seemed to have picked up a second wind changing direction and seeking another escape route.”

The wildebeest found that route but paused for several seconds before continuing toward shore with a badly injured leg.

The footage, captured at Gezanftombi Dam, was shared to Facebook by Latest Sightings – Greater Kruger on Wednesday.