X

Hippos Face Off With Crocodiles in Luangwa National Park

Photographer Marc Mol captured an epic standoff back in 2011 during a trip by helicopter over Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. According to the Huffington Post, Marc Mol was taking an early morning flight, when he and his copilot saw more than 140 Crocodiles feasting on a dead hippo.

South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia is a world-renowned wildlife haven. It supports large populations of Thornicroft’s Giraffe and herds of elephant and buffalo often several hundred strong, while the Luangwa River supports abundant crocodiles and hippopotamuses. Founded as a game reserve in 1938, it is one of the best-known national parks in Africa.

Captured by wildlife photographer Marc Mol, one dead hippo can be seen surrounded by a mob of hungry reptiles on the muddy water-edge and they show the moment an army of crocodiles closed in on a group of hippos. According to Yahoo News, more than 100 crocodiles descended on the river as the hippos desperately tried to escape.

Marc Mol wrote on his blog describing one of his photos, the hippo most likely died from anthrax, “We have approximately 140+ crocs feasting on a dead hippo as the relentless hot & dry season lingers on.” Wildlife photographer, Marc Mol, who captured the images during a helicopter ride over the world famous sanctuary, said according to Metro UK that it was an experience he would “never forget.”

Image Credit: www.huffingtonpost.com

Jaan: