Commenting on the courageous actions of the hippo, Onishchenko said: “I have heard of cases where the animals instinct is to protect the other species, I think the hippos parental instincts took over.

“The hippos are probably the only animal not afraid of the crocs and I would even say the hippo is the only animal the crocodiles are afraid of.

“Even our safari guide was stunned by the hippos behaviour, he said he had never seen anything like it before.

“It was certainly an unforgettable moment, I feel honoured to have seen such a spectacle.”