Watch a Massive Rhino Face Off With the Loneliest Hippo We've Ever Seen

Lonely is not a word we usually ever use to describe the hippopotamus. Normally, the words we use are angry, aggressive, or domineering. However, in this particular instance, we see another side to this hippo, and the head ranger of Kruger National Park, Mike Kirkman, agrees with us. Don’t miss the video just below.

Don’t Miss The Video Below!

Rhino and Hippo Sighting in Kruger National Park

This video shared by a head ranger on the Latest Sightings YouTube page brings us to the Kruger National Park in Africa. Kirkman caught rare sight of a rhino and a hippo meeting late at night. And this hippo seems to have a chip on its shoulder, and for good reason, we will find. Kirkman shares a few thoughts on what he saw below.

“At the time it was still a very dry season in the reserve and the animals were battling with what little grass there was available. The area around the airstrip was pretty barren and I think the hippo was more curious and lonely because at the time many of the hippo had already left this area due to the drought.”

Lonely Hippo Approaches Rhino

With the threat of a drought in the area and so many hippos that have left, this lone hippo in the video above is most likely just looking for companionship. At the start of the video, we see this hippo and rhino run into one another. In a matter of seconds, this massive rhino turns around and walks away. The hippo adorably follows this rhino-like he’s a lost puppy.

The rhino returns to his herd but isn’t aware the hippo is in close pursuit. The lonely hippo stays close behind and then begins to smell and nudge the rhino. Finally being alerted to his presence, the rhino whips around. Staring this hippo down with his horn as a threat in his face. The hippo opens his mouth, which is usually a sign of aggression. But, here, it just seems this hippo wants a friend.

He quickly leaves and tries to approach another rhino in the herd. But that right there was enough for this rhino herd. We see a few of them turn on this hippo and show him the door.

How Many Hippos Live in Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is one of the most well-respected national parks in South Africa. This park is home to 147 species of mammals, 114 reptile species, 51 snake species, 49 fish species and a massive 508 species of birds.

One of the most famous animals in Kruger National Park is the hippo. The South African National Park’s last population update was in 2011 and sets the hippo population at 3,100. However, other reports in 2016 state that the hippo population in the Kruger National Park could be anywhere from 7,500-47,000.

However, for this particular area, the hippo population had dwindled. And this lone hippo found himself in need of some company. But, apparently, rhinos aren’t interested in being friends with this hippo.