More people in Africa are killed by hippopotamuses than by any other animal species (excluding their own).
They feed at night and cool off in slow-moving rivers during the day.
They are cranky as hell, and small boats (and the people in them) are at risk when near these goliaths.
This large fellow was with about a dozen others in the Mara River- Kenya.
His "yawn" is a display warning to any and all that he is not to be messed with.
I was standing on shore using a 400mm lens (with film). One eye was on the hippos and the other was looking for crocodiles on shore.

I ain't afraid of..... well maybe I would be if I was there!!! Fine work Charlie, somehow African shots work in B&W.

Tim

Tim Kuhn wrote:
I ain't afraid of....
Like Tim, I'm not afraid either Charlie. I wouldn't even be on the bank, much less in the water. I to like the B&W. Nice shot my friend.
Gary

One eye was on the hippos and the other was looking for crocodiles on shore
Sounds like very relaxed shooting.
Nicely done, Charlie. The B&W versions work well too.
Chris

I think you need more eyes than that Charlie. What about the big cats or elephants - they also need at least one eye each... Neat shots too ~ Ron

nice shots charlie. these guys can be mean, huh? i think wallowing all day does sound appealing though.

dorian

Thanks Tim, Gary, Chris, Ron and Dorian.
No fear of elephants or lions at this spot, or our driver/guide wouldn't have let us out- and we DID stay pretty close to the pop-top van.
Also, when hippos are in the water, they aren't very concerned about people who are standing on the bank some 50 feet away.
I saw no crocs there, but they scare the hell out of me just thinking about them MAYBE being close.
Okay, there were a lot of animals in Kenya that got my adrenalin going even when I was in the van. Shucks- I'm a city boy .
Charlie

Hippopotamania going on here Charlie. Would love to be there to feel the excitement.

The color fo the open mouth is my pick of this fine set Charlie

Morris

Thanks Ken and Morris.
Yes, the excitement and experience of seeing these and other great beasts in their natural habitat was my once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And reviewing, scanning, processing and posting images from that trip give me a chance to relive it.
So thanks to all who have taken a look-see . I enjoy the sharing.
Charlie

Very cool, Charlie. Sounds like high adventure shooting for sure!

Jim

nicely done Charlie.. i like the color ones best

Nice set of these awesome animals