Many people don’t realize that the hippopotamus is one of the most deadly creatures on the planet. With their large bodies, the animals are known to knock over boats and drag passengers to their death. They are also incredibly territorial.
With that being said, a little baby hippo was recently sent running thanks to a bunch of tiny little birds that meant them no harm.
Apparently this hippos mom hadn’t yet told them about the birds and the bees.
Sure the little tiny birds pick off ticks and other parasites but it’s pretty clear this baby hippo has no interest in the animals at this time.
At first all seems to be going as planned for the birds.
Then the baby hippo takes off in a hilarious panic.
The images were taken by wildlife photographer Mark Mol at Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, show a baby hippo running from a flock of birds. The birds, called oxpeckers, were likely trying to do this hippo a favor.
“He was attempting to rid them off his back by twisting and shaking as he scrambled back to the safety of mom and the water,” Mold told the Mirror. “In time the baby will soon come to accept that these birds mean him no harm.”
It’s not just hippos that they birds love. They are often on the backs of cows, bison, and many other animals who will let them help with bug grooming.
Here’s an Oxpecker grooming an Impala.
