Hippo-Surfing Heron (Video)

waffles

February 12, 2015

A video posted in early February 2015 shows a heron “surfing” a hippo in South Africa.

The video, which was posted to the Kruger Sightings YouTube channel, shows a heron gliding across the water as if on a surf board.

The video was posted on February 8, 2015, and includes a caption, “Funny video of a heron doing what looks like surfing, but then a hippo lifts his head.”

Eventually the heron’s movement along the water stops, and a hippo’s emerges. The video was shot at the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Although it appears that the heron is simply taking a leisurely ride, it was suggested back in 2011 when a similar video was posted that the heron may have been using the hippo as a platform for hunting. The hippo’s movement through the water often disturbs fish and amphibians, allowing the heron to grab an easy meal.