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The Killer


The Killer
Photo Information
Copyright: Ingrid Shaul (ingridshaul) Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 43 W: 7 N: 114] (307)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-05-17
Categories: Mammals
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2009-10-19 5:45
Viewed: 261
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
HIPPOPOTAMUS KILL MORE PEOPLE THAN ANY OTHER ANIMAL

The hippo is a placid and inoffensive animal when left alone, but if provoked can be extremely dangerous. Solitary bulls and cows with calves can quickly become aggressive, and there are many reports of small boats being overturned and the occupants bitten to death. Hippos demonstrate aggression by opening the mouth, displaying the imposing teeth and making short charges through the water – sometimes directed at intruders venturing too close to the edge of the water. When a grazing Hippo is disturbed, it is dangerous to be between it and the water, as it will blindly run along its path, trampling anything in its way.

Each year more people are killed in Africa by hippos -than by all other animals together. In spite of its huge size - weighing 1 800 kg and more - 3 metres in length - 1,5 metres tall - with a mouth measuring a half metre across - the hippopotamus can outrun a human. Many tourists - who wander around after dark – and Local Inhabitants crossing rivers, have been bitten in half by the long ( just over 24 inches, 3 inches across and 8 inches around), thick, razor-sharp canine teeth (tusks).

PHOTO

Taken at 9:26 a.m. - is unusual - because normally Hippos graze after dusk and are submerged in water during the day (to avoid getting burned by the sun). However, this year the winter had come early in this part of the world - the sun no longer strong - and the hippos remained on land during the day. We were staying in a flat overlooking the Crocodile River, where it forms the Southern Border of the Kruger National Park. A few metres from the edge of the river, a heavily fortified fence stopped Heavyweights such as Elephants and Hippos ( we hoped). We were able to watch every morning from our terrace this Hippo crossing the river from the park (see photo in workshop), coming on land below our terrace.

As I mentioned above, we had an early winter - the days were short – and the sun still low in the east (to our right). Consequently - with the animal below us - the whole right flank was in the shade, and I had to lighten the photo a lot.
See Buffalo, which was taken from same spot Link
roges, ferranjlloret, peter_stoeckl, Argus has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Argus: Hippoingridshaul 1 11-17 00:38
To peter_stoeckl: Hippoingridshaul 1 10-25 07:19
To roges: Killeringridshaul 1 10-20 09:13
To ferranjlloret: Killeringridshaul 1 10-20 09:11
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • roges Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 614 W: 0 N: 557] (3214)
  • [2009-10-19 7:53]
  • [+]

Hi Ingrid,

Interesting picture with a very interesting topic. Excellent description provided by you, congratulations.
Have a beautiful day,
Adrian

Hi Ingrid,
Really, by experience that is one of the animal more dangerous than they are existed! have a good week
Ferran

Dear Ingrid,
an image of great authenticity that takes me right into the place. A minor nit is the upper border exactly touching the egret's head on top. Well composed image in its elements of sands and water, egrets and hippo, light and shadow. I like the strong light, and the blue distance of waters.
Thank you for the very detailed and well informing notes, too - so many people would think the hippo might be a very clumsy and slow, funny looking and harmless animal.
With thanks, and best regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3825 W: 190 N: 11396] (35111)
  • [2009-11-16 22:26]
  • [+]

Hello Ingrid,
A nice capture of a Hippo out of water taken in fine side lighting and set in a pleasing composition that includes the waterside with a couple of waders and an egret as a bonus.
Your note is interesting and informative.
Thanks and kind regards,
Ivan

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