Hippo Mum Helping Calf Excape the Water

HIPPO MUM HELPS TINY CALF ESCAPE FLOODWATERS DURING HEARTWARMING RESCUE

WITH PIX AND VID

BY SHUK YEE TSANG

A wildlife photographer captured the touching moment a protective hippo mum carefully guided her tiny calf out of dangerous floodwaters and onto higher ground.

Michelle Broadhurst, 57, an amateur wildlife photographer from Gauteng, South Africa, filmed the heartwarming encounter near Lower Sabie in Kruger National Park, South Africa, during heavy flooding.

The footage shows the mother hippo patiently leading her very young calf through the swollen river before helping it climb out of the water so it could safely feed away from the strong current.

Michelle, who has been photographing wildlife for around 17 years, said she was amazed by how calm and protective the mother remained despite the challenging conditions.

Michelle said: "It's not every day that you see such a tiny hippo calf during flood conditions. The combination of the dramatic weather, rising water, and the mother's incredible care for her calf made it a very special moment to capture.

"I've seen hippo calves before, but I've never seen one this young being guided to higher ground during heavy flooding.

“The floods created challenging conditions for both wildlife and visitors, but they also revealed just how adaptable and resilient these animals are."

ENDS