A hippo is a formidable animal, known for its size, strength, and aggressive nature.
Elephants are indeed among the few animals capable of overpowering an adult hippo!
Elephants are significantly larger and possess immense strength, often outweighing hippos by several tons. In encounters over territory, access to water, or food, elephants may display aggression and assert dominance over hippos. While such encounters are rare, they can occur if resources are scarce, particularly around water or if an elephant feels threatened.
Adult hippos are incredibly tough to bring down. They have few natural predators, but under specific conditions, certain animals or groups may pose a threat.
Lions (in Large Prides)
A large pride of lions may attempt to take down an adult hippo, particularly if it’s weakened, injured, or far from water. However, this requires a significant number of lions and a coordinated attack. Even so, hippos are dangerous targets, and lions often face serious risk.
Nile Crocodiles (in Rare Circumstances)
Nile crocodiles generally avoid adult hippos, but in cases of extreme hunger or territorial disputes, a group of large crocodiles might attempt an attack. This typically occurs if a hippo is injured or in a vulnerable position. Even then, hippos are capable of injuring or killing crocodiles, making such confrontations extremely rare.
Groups of Spotted Hyenas
Spotted hyenas aren’t typical predators of adult hippos, but under desperate circumstances, a large pack might try to target a weakened or sick hippo, using numbers to exhaust and wear down their prey. Although uncommon, hyenas may take the risk when food is scarce.
This is Kenya – nature is cruel! Spotted hyenas are pictured eating an exhausted hippo alive at Amboseli National Park!
Other Hippos
Rival hippos are one of the biggest threats to adult hippos, especially males. Territorial or mating disputes can lead to brutal confrontations, resulting in severe injuries or death. Hippos have powerful jaws and sharp tusks that can inflict significant damage.
Humans
With tools and weapons, humans have historically been capable of taking down adult hippos, often hunting them for meat, hides, and tusk-like teeth. Today, hippo hunting is restricted or illegal in many regions, but human encounters with hippos can still have fatal consequences for the animals.
Adult hippos are rarely preyed upon, as their strength and aggression deter most predators. Only in rare or desperate situations would any of these animals, usually in large numbers or with specific tactics be able to take down an adult hippo.
I’d also like to emphasize that, as an animal lover, I don’t support hunting or fishing. The images in this article are provided purely for illustrative and explanatory purposes.
Note: The unique aspects of human intelligence, culture, and technology make us distinct, but we are biologically and scientifically classified as animals.
Hippos are tough, aggressive animals with huge teeth, killer bites, thick skin, a nasty attitude, and are the African animal responsible for the most human deaths every year.
They are approximately the same size as Rhinos and from the videos I’ve seen when the 2 fight, it’s usually pretty even.
But the mighty Hippo better not mess with a full grown Elephant cuz they will get their Hungry Hungry Hippo’s fat ass kicked ! A large Hippo could weigh over 3000 lbs (1400Kg) , but a full grown African Bush Elephant could weigh between 7000 and 12000 lbs (3300 to 5400Kg), can grapple with its trunk and can stab with its tusks.
Here is an unwise Hippo who decided to start a fight with an Elephant:
‘Nuff said ?
