This Gentle Giant Turns Angry When a Hippo Tests Him

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Animals in the wild get in fights every day. Whether this is fighting for territory, mating rights, or over food. However, there are few animals that will have the audacity to step up to the world’s largest land animal, the elephant. But, the hippo in the video above just might be willing to take up this mantle. Don’t miss this epic fight at the top. 

Elephant and Hippo Fight

The short video clip shown at the top of this blog post takes us to Africa. This is where a gigantic elephant and a massive hippo get into a fight down by the watering hole. The Latest Sightings YouTube page shared this video on their platform. They post videos regularly of animals such as lions, leopards, warthogs, African wild dogs, wildebeest, and crocodiles. 

Hippo Runs For Its Life 

As the video above starts out, we see this elephant is already clearly annoyed. The hippo has done something to rile his spirit up. The hippo quickly takes to the water as if he is mocking the elephant. And coming full speed behind him, the elephant charges straight into the water. 

The hippo uses his short stubby legs to get through the water as quickly as possible so he is able to get up on land. The City of Albuquerque states that a hippo can run “anywhere from 19-30 miles per hour if necessary on-land.” Once up on shore, the hippo takes off, with the elephant close behind. 

Can Humans Outrun An Elephant?

Elephants are often known for their gentle giant status. However, elephants can get angry just as any animal can. And seeing an animal as large as 13,000 pounds and up to 14 feet in height get upset is not something we would recommend. 

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Government, “An elephant usually strolls along at a comfortable 2 to 4 MPH, but when charging, an African elephant can reach a speed of 25 MPH.” 

Humans can only run between 6-8 miles per hour, depending if they are female or male. So, no, a human can’t outrun an elephant. It’s wisest to stand up to the elephant to let them know you aren’t afraid, even if you are. 

Most likely, if you are in a situation where an elephant is charging at you, we would assume it would be on a safari. We would warn you not to use your vehicle as coverage. Unless you know, you can kick it into gear and speed away before the elephant reaches you. Elephants have no fear of charging at vehicles. And clearly, they aren’t afraid of hippos either, as seen in the video above!