Images of a baby hippo being born in Lake Panic, Kruger National Park, have just been revealed. The remarkable event was captured by Wendy Priilaid from the Lake Panic hide on 31 May.
‘The first pic of the feet emerging was taken at 9.49.20, then mama submerged. At 9.50.18 the baby’s head popped up out of the water,’ Wendy explained in a SANParks-Kruger National Park Facebook post.
The baby hippo’s feet emerge. Photo by Wendy Priilaid
The baby hippo emerges from the water after the mother submerged during the birth. Photo by Wendy Priilaid
It appears the mother is helping the baby by nudging it towards the bank. Photo by Wendy Priilaid
Photo by Wendy Priilaid
Look out for an update on this cute little creature, as Wendy will share more images with us, after the birth.
Hippopotamus’ typically give birth underwater, which helps the mother conserve her energy during the birthing process by alleviating weight. The average gestation period of a hippo is 243 days. Hippos produce no more than one calf every two years.
Lake Panic is a favourite with wildlife photographers and birders. When there is little birding action (which is seldom) visitors can be entertained by the resident hippos that call the lake home. Lake Panic is located on the S42 near Skukuza on the road to the Nursery.
