The hippopotamus is considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals, but that reputation did not deter a group of about 50 turtles from boldly approaching it.
This brave group of turtles even attempted to turn the hippo into a giant sunbed for their herd.
According to information shared online, after taking a dip in a water hole in Kruger National Park, South Africa, a massive hippo, weighing up to 2.5 tons, was “ambushed” by dozens of small, slow turtles.
Originally hoping not to be disturbed and bothered, the hippopotamus was extremely upset when the turtle relatives did not take him seriously.
To rid himself of the stubborn and overly persistent turtles, hippos deliberately submerged their entire bodies in the water. This tactic apparently proved effective, as a large number of turtles sunbathing on the hippo’s back were removed.
However, there are still extremely stubborn turtles that refuse to leave the hippo’s back.
Photographer Karen van der Kolk, 45, who captured these unique moments, said: “It was a very funny scene, we stayed all morning by the waterhole to observe.”
In the photo, you can see the moment the giant hippopotamus vigorously shook itself, trying to shake off the small turtles that persistently clung to its back.
However, somehow, some stubborn turtles still cling to the hippo’s back and calmly consider the back of Africa’s most ferocious animal as their mobile sunbathing rock.
