Buffalo Pumps Its Own Water in Incredible Display of Intelligence

Who needs humans when you can pump your own water? This buffalo does just that in an impressive video that highlights the wonder of nature. Catch News shared a video on YouTube showing a buffalo pumping water from a hand pump to get a drink. In the clip, the animal uses its head to turn on the spout and then drinks from the running tap. A few times, the buffalo goes back and pushes on the tap again to make the water stream stronger. Then, it uses its long tongue to lap up the water. It’s impressive that this animal is so self-sufficient! It’s clearly a highly intelligent creature. It’s fascinating to see how it has figured out this modern human contraption!

African Buffalo

African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) are very distant cousins of the American bison and are part of the bovine family, like cows. These animals can adapt to a variety of habitats, run at speeds of up to 37 miles per hour, and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. The African buffalo is the largest wild bovine species in Africa and can be dangerous to humans, causing an estimated 200 deaths per year. They tend to congregate in large herds, ranging from 50 to 500 individuals, to protect themselves from lions and other predators.

Water Buffalo

Similarly, water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) can also weigh up to 2,000 pounds and typically move in groups. This domesticated species has been used for thousands of years to plow fields, pull carts, and provide meat and milk. Water buffalo spend most of their time in water or wallowing in mud, like pigs, to keep cool and protect themselves from insects.

Cape Buffalo

Water is so important to Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) that they typically remain within 5 miles (8 kilometers) of a water source to ensure they don’t get dehydrated. This could be part of the reason they are so adept at figuring out the self-pumping water sources, because they are highly motivated by water. Buffaloes are fascinating animals!