Amazing video captures hippo saving a gnu from a crocodile

Mike Krumboltz

Score one for Team Mammal.

In addition to their reputation for being hungry (HUNGRY!), hippos are also known for being rather ruthless, and one of Africa's most dangerous animals. But let it never be said that the hippopotamus doesn't have a heart.

Case in point: This video captures the moment when a hippo came to the rescue of a gnu that had been attacked by a crocodile.

The heroic hippo chases off the crocodile, then does what it can to help the injured gnu get to shore, pushing it along with its snout.

The photographs in the slideshow below were taken by Vadim Onishchenko, 34, who was visiting the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya.

He told MailOnline: "I've heard of cases where the animal's instinct is to protect other species, I think the hippo's parental instincts took over."

The footage appears to have been taken in 2012. It only recently went viral.

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