An exciting series of events unfolded when a herd of cattle went to a waterhole to drink.

Lean van Biljon recorded a video from Crook’s Corner viewpoint, where South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet, and shared his video with Latest Sightings.

He says when a herd of cattle went to a waterhole, the crocodiles reacted immediately, swimming towards the herd.

A late arrival entered the space, and within seconds of her starting to drink, a crocodile pounced.

As the croc pulled its prey into deeper water, numerous other crocodiles arrived, attracted by the commotion.

As the cow was dragged into even deeper water, a hippo approached to investigate and was soon joined by other hippos.

Their aggression towards the crocodiles was obvious, but at the time, it wasn’t clear whether they wanted to rescue the cow or claim it for themselves, says Van Biljon.

Eventually, after aggressive posturing, the hippos took control of the carcass.

Amid all the action, Van Biljon says there was a lot of fish activity – presumably catfish feeding on scraps of flesh. This attracted fish eagles and, after a few passes, one of the eagles swooped in and rose from the surface with a large fish clutched in its talons.

Do hippos eat meat?

According to Wild Explained, while hippos are primarily herbivores they have been known to eat meat on rare occasions.

“Until recently, it was believed that hippos were strictly herbivores, consuming no meat whatsoever. But recent research has uncovered that, under unusual circumstances, hippos may consume meat and even scavenge animal carcasses.”

Watch: Video posted by Roaring Earth

Watch: Video posted by Wild World

Watch: Video posted on Wild Network