23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Morning Stare

Sun had just started to rise. We arrive at the river's edge, where a bloat of hippos were soaking in the water. Heat from their bodies caused the water to evaporate into the cool air, creating a mist on the water. This hippo was locked in on my position. I could only assume it was trying to figure out if it should charge me or leave me alone. Fortunately for me, it deemed I held a safe distance.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Kenya
Camera: ILCE-1M2
Copyright: © Brett Freliche