NOLA VICKERY, SURVIVOR (SINGLE SHOT 2024)

I came across this battle-weary hippo in August, 2023 in a quiet part of the Chobe River, Namibia. After waiting patiently for what seemed like an eternity for him to open his eyes, I realised he did not have the strength even for that. I left him in peace and found myself wondering just how many battles he had to endure for this amount of scarring - or was this the result of just one horrific encounter? Would he be OK - and what of the other hippo or hippos involved?

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