Lonely hippo and lots of lettuce

Gallery: WildlifePosted May 11, 20042,787 views14 comments

I know, it doesn't look like it, but this hippo is in the middle of a river: Grumeti River, Tanzania, Africa. The surface of the water is hidden beneath a layer of water lettuce. If you ever encounter a field like this, don't try to walk on it :-)

<i>F100, 80-400VR, Provia 100F</i>

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Tobias Bäckström on May 11, 2004 at 4:32 PM

I like this a lot and I think the composition is brilliant! A perfect motif for a postcard/poster.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 9 Posts, 71 Comments

Comment posted by Hanne Lehmann on May 11, 2004 at 4:46 PM

This picture made me smile :-) At first I thought it was manipulated, but reading your comment, make me see I was totally wrong.

Outstanding composition. Very funny picture.

Regards,
Hanne

Registered on November 12, 2003, 83 Posts, 323 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Ross on May 11, 2004 at 6:48 PM

Excellent photo, the complete coverage of green really makes the shot for me.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 403 Posts, 2729 Comments

Comment posted by Alexander Couter on May 11, 2004 at 9:59 PM

Beautiful shot! I think the hippo is soundinga victory horn, maybe saying "My lettuce ! Mine mine mine!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 48 Posts, 163 Comments

Comment posted by Marsel van Oosten on May 12, 2004 at 2:46 AM

Thanks everyone - I appreciate the comments.

Shooting at this location was a lot of fun, as the hippos were constantly submerging and popping up all over the place, and never at the same spot. It was a bit like gambling at the casino

Registered on March 9, 2004, 285 Posts, 2277 Comments

Comment posted by Arthur Sevestre on May 12, 2004 at 3:49 PM

This is great!! Who would expect THAT to come out of a lettuce field ;). It looks a bit as if this guy is laughing his guts out after scaring the heck out of you ;). Funny and very well composed.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 275 Posts, 888 Comments

Comment posted by Peter den Hartog on May 14, 2004 at 2:39 AM

Great shot.

Peter

Registered on November 11, 2003, 28 Posts, 222 Comments

Comment posted by Marsel van Oosten on May 14, 2004 at 4:15 AM

Arthur and Peter: thanks!

Registered on March 9, 2004, 285 Posts, 2277 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Biggs on May 15, 2004 at 9:18 AM

That's cool, Marsel. Is this near the Kirawira region of the Grumeti?

Registered on December 5, 2003, 8 Posts, 32 Comments

Comment posted by Marsel van Oosten on May 17, 2004 at 10:57 AM

Thank you Andy - this was taken at Grumeti River Camp.

Registered on March 9, 2004, 285 Posts, 2277 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Biggs on May 20, 2004 at 3:31 PM

That's right. I should have known that, because you can see the area from the lodge.

Registered on December 5, 2003, 8 Posts, 32 Comments

Comment posted by Nick on May 20, 2004 at 5:22 PM

"Help...Help...I'm drowning in Lettuce"

Very funny photo....would make a very difficult Jigsaw for someone too