An adorable and amusing scene unfolded as a young hippo found itself engaged in a comical struggle to shake off a group of birds attempting to perch on its back for a joyride. The determined calf ran and twisted, trying to rid itself of the persistent oxpeckers.
Usually, oxpeckers and hippos have a mutually beneficial relationship, with the birds feasting on ticks and parasites that plague the hippos.
However, this baby hippo clearly had other plans and was not in the mood for the birds’ company. Photographer Marc Mol, 56, from Switzerland, captured the delightful interaction while focusing on a group of hippos.
The calf eventually dashed towards the water, making a determined attempt to deter the birds. Eventually, the oxpeckers gave up their pursuit and flew away.
The hippo made a beeline for the water, hoping to scare off the persistent birds, who showed no signs of leaving. Source: Daily Mail
Marc Mol expressed his initial surprise at the scene, stating, “I was at first astonished as to what was going on, seeing this baby hippo running towards me and the safety of water, and then realized it was a small flock of Ox-peckers that were the culprits.”
The photographer found the baby hippo’s reaction to the oxpeckers incredibly entertaining.
Marc Mol, the photographer behind the pictures, said, “I love the expression on this little guy’s face as he frantically tries to fend off what he sees as annoying pests.” Source: Daily Mail
While oxpeckers and hippos typically have a symbiotic relationship, with the birds helping to free the hippos of ticks and parasites, it seems this baby hippo wasn’t in the mood for their assistance at that moment. According to Mol, the young hippo’s desperate attempts to remove the birds from its back lasted for about 10 seconds.
In time, the baby hippo will likely come to appreciate the feathered companionship, as adult hippos benefit from the symbiotic relationship.
Mol expressed his delight in capturing the unique and amusing moment, highlighting the expressive face of the baby hippo as it valiantly tried to fend off the birds.