A hippo is dying of thirst in Botswana. But a pride of lions guards the water hole

In Botswana’s Okavango delta, deep floodwater can dry to dust in months. Thirsty animals seek out water holes for a much-needed drink – but this brings them into dangerous proximity with others.

And in one episode of the BBC TV series Natural World, the film crew follow a group of hippos as they deal with the changing conditions.

The team find a male hippo that’s desperate for a drink and making his way to a water hole. But as David Attenborough narrates, “water holes are dangerous traps for thirsty enemies.”

As the hippo isn’t alone – there is also a pride of lions who have got there first. And together, they’re capable of taking down prey as large as elephants, let alone a lone hippo.

But this hippo is “dying of thirst” – so he stands his ground.

While a full pride could take down a hippo, the world’s second-largest land mammal is very capable of trampling, biting or crushing a lion. So luckily, the lions back down and allow him a share of precious water.

This article by Sophie Ellis was first published by Discover Wildlife on 20 May 2026. Lead Image: Male hippo on grassland in Khwai River in Bostwana. Credit: tonyzhao120/Getty Images.