About the Author

Guy Brunskill

Alumni Ranger

Guy worked as a ranger for Londolozi from 2017 until the end of 2021. He grew up in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. From a young age he visited the bush each holiday. It was during these early years that his passion and interest was ...

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9 Comments

on Unusual Hippo Courtship

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Incredible experience Guy. I have never seen anything like this before. Do hippos always mate in the water?

Hi Marinda, it is certainly something that is not seen very often and hopefully next time we will see the mating take place. Yes, the mating will always mate in water.

That was fascinating to read about. I cannot imagine how exciting it was to witness. Watching animal behavior is what keeps us coming back to Africa. Loved the video. Thanks for sharing, Guy.

Glad you enjoyed it Darlene, it was very exciting to watch as they thrashed their heads around in the water and exposing their teeth. Different animal behavior is always something very exciting. Have you visited us here at Londolozi Darlene?

We have been to several countries in Africa (Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa) on safari, Guy, but have not made it to Londolozi! I enjoy reading your blogs though and who knows? We travel with Africa Adventure Company most of the time. There is absolutely no other place like Africa for us!

Most often we observe hippos in the water. How much time do they typically spend on land?? Is it mostly at night during their eating period? I’ve not observed the mating ritual but have often seen two males sparring. It’s loud and rather exciting to witness two large hippos rising out of the water, mouths opened wide, teeth exposed in a show of domination….. Good reporting!

Hippos will majority of the time make their way out of the water at night to feed because their skin is very susceptible to dehydration from the sun, but with that being said they will move out of the water to feed during the day on cool overcast days when the sun is not as harsh. Watching both of those is very exciting – the sounds that resonate from the hippos are one of my favorite sounds in the bush.

I learned some new and important facts about hippo’s through this blog post today. A rare and unusual opportunity of viewing mating behavior. I also appreciated your giving us information on age of cow hippo readiness to concieve and length of gestation. Amazing time lengths in season and such variance between all species! You explained the why’s if each step so that by the time the video was presented, we completely understood “the dance” and what was happening. Thanks!

Very unusual sighting!

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