23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Young hippos at play

Young hippos in a ‘friendly dispute’ on the Luangwa river. An adult hippo opens its mouth fully as a display of dominance and aggression. Adult hippos sometimes have violent fights over territory and for a place into a pool deep enough for them to stay submerged. These fights often end in injury and many of them do not survive the dry season.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Zambia
Copyright: © martin johansen