This Crocodile Looks So Small Next To This Massive Hippo

Hippopotamus and Nil crocodile in Kruger National park, South Africa
© Utopia_88/iStock via Getty Images

Written by Hannah Crawford

Published: January 17, 2024

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The hippopotamus is a fearsome animal to come across in the wild. Don’t let their herbivore-eating status dissuade you. They weigh anywhere from 2,200-9,900 pounds and reach up to 16.5 feet in length. Their size, coupled with their speed, power, and teeth, should be enough to make any human or animal run. Well, except for the Nile crocodile apparently. Don’t miss this interaction in the video above. 

Click the Exciting Video Below!

Crocodiles Meet Hippo At the Water

The TikTok video shown just above takes us to Africa, where the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) reside. A small crocodile group meets a massive hippo at the water’s edge. The Zebra 66993 TikTok page shared this video on their channel. They are committed to reposting videos of animals worldwide such as giraffes, snakes, domestic cats, elephants, turtles, antelope, leopards, and deer. 

Giant Hippo Doesn’t Fear Crocodiles

The video starts out above with a group of Nile crocodiles laying out basking in the sun. According to the National Zoo, “When a crocodile is basking, or laying in the sun, it is raising its body temperature.” They will often go between the sun and the shade to regulate their temperatures as needed. 

So, as a side note, if you ever see a crocodile on the edge of the water, it’s not because they are heading out to attack you. It’s just that they are regulating their body temperature. 

There is eerie music playing in the background as a massive hippo walks right up to these crocodiles. Where most animals would steer clear of crocodiles, this hippo has no fear. After all, he is 10 times the size of the Nile crocodile, weighing up to 1,650 pounds. The hippo merely walks right in between these crocodiles and continues on his way into the river. 

Do Crocodiles Have Any Predators?

A Nile Crocodile, the bigger predator of the Nile River.

Crocodiles can run up to 22 miles per hour.

©diegooscar01/Shutterstock.com

When we think of animals that bring fear into our hearts, along with bears, lions, and alligators we’re sure the crocodile comes to mind as well. These reptiles are fierce animals, with an incredible bite force of 3,700 pounds per square inch (PSI), and an armor of skin that is difficult to pierce through. 

The National Park Service states, “Although adult crocodiles have no natural predators other than humans, hatchlings have a high mortality rate and are preyed upon by other wildlife including raccoons, birds, and crabs.” 

However, there is the occasional snake and lion that has been known to kill a crocodile. It’s just not that often this happens. And the majority of the time, it is with juvenile crocodiles. 


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About the Author

Hannah Crawford is a writer at A-Z Animals where she focuses on reptiles, mammals, and locations in Africa. Hannah has been researching and writing about animals and various countries for over eight years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication\Performance Studies from Pensacola Christian College, which she earned in 2015. Hannah is a resident in Florida, and enjoys theatre, poetry, and growing her fish tank.

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