Hippos cooling off, SINGITA, SOUTH AFRICA, INCREDIBLE IMAGES of a hippo putting on a powerful theatrical performance in the water have been captured.
Images show the hippo with his impressive jaws wide open before dramatically slamming his head down into the water, simultaneously asserting his dominance of the other males while grabbing the attention of nearby females.
Other images show a bull shooting water out of its nose like champagne being sprayed from a bottle, creating a joyous moment in the water, while others in the herd are seen partially submerged to keep cool in the heat of the day.
These images were captured by Ross Couper (47) at Singita properties across South Africa using a NIKON D850 camera.
Singita is a safari conservation was established in 1993 and is dedicated to preserving natural beauty and allowing people to safely view animals causing them minimal disturbance.
“Hippos are often seen lounging in the water, but when a bull displays this kind of behaviour, it’s usually a sign he’s asserting his dominance, warning others to keep their distance,” said Ross.
“It’s a theatrical show of power meant to warn other males and grab the attention of any nearby females.
“The bull opened his massive jaws in a slow, dramatic yawn, flashing his teeth. This isn’t just a stretchÃłit’s a powerful display of strength.
“As he raised his head, he slammed it back down, causing the water to splash, catching the light and creating ripples across the surface.
“Getting a glimpse of his raw expression did feel rare. As I watched the scene unfold, I couldn’t help but feel a deep respect for the hippo’s place in the ecosystem and a real appreciation for being able to capture a moment of his life that few ever get to see.
“Hippos may appear docile as they lounge in water during the day, but this kind of display is a reminder of the formidable power they command and the complex social dynamics in their groups
“Hippos are usually found lounging or submerged in water during the day, especially in the heat, since they’re nocturnal feeders.
“So, while this might seem like a typical shot, it actually takes hours of sitting by the riverbank, waiting for the right moment.
“The times when they become more activeÃłlike yawning or splashing waterÃłare rarer and tend to happen when they’re asserting their dominance or getting ready to move to a different area.
“Capturing moments like a hippo yawning or splashing feels incredibly rewarding because it brings me closer to nature’s raw beauty and unpredictability. These moments often show something new about animals we think we knowÃłrevealing their personalities, strength, or grace in ways that are rarely seen up close
“Hippos usually appear calm as they rest in water but can transform into incredibly powerful, territorial animals with intense aggression.
“Capturing these transitions from serenity to dominance, even in a single frame, brings a compelling contrast that adds depth to wildlife photography.
“There’s a lot of important conservation work being done, including habitat protection, community engagement, climate resilience programs and research.
“At Singita Sabi Sand, we have an anti-poaching team that patrols and monitors the reserve, helping to reduce the illegal trade in hippo teeth and meat and these efforts play a key role in stabilizing hippo populations.
“One of the best parts of photographing wildlife is the element of surprise. Animals act on instinct, so you only get one brief moment to capture their true expression, whether it’s playful or a display of power. It’s a reminder that, in their world, every movement has purpose and rhythm.
“There’s also something humbling about being able to witness and share these moments. Every photo tells a story that highlights the beauty and resilience of nature, which can help people feel more connected to wildlife and inspire them to protect it for future generations.
“In the end, it’s about preserving a fleeting moment that transcends time, showing us the intricate beauty of the world we share.”
ENDS
