Hippo in Lake Victoria

This big guy lives in Lake Victoria and is the protector of his family. When our boat floated close to the group of hippos, all the others went under the water, except for this guy. He stayed with his eyes up, watching us, to make sure we did not get too close to his loved ones.

We were in a wooden boat with three men who used oars instead of a motor. When the men wanted to attract the hippos so we could see them, they rapped their oars on the edge of the boat. This did get the hippo's attention, as you can see in the photo. But we didn't get too close!! Hippos can bite a hole in a boat if they feel threatened.