You know that feeling when you’re desperately trying to do something but just can’t quite succeed?

Is the hippo a friend or foe?

This little duckling definitely knows that feeling.

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The baby bird at Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands struggled to hop out of a pond for some minutes before two enormous hippopotamuses who lived in that pond helpfully nudged the little tacker out of the bowl.

Given that hippos can weigh up to 4500kg, the little duckling was no doubt terrified that it was about to become lunch. Nonetheless, it played it very cool and trotted off after finding freedom.

The unpredictable nature of hippos mean that they are often touted as the deadliest creature in Africa; but after watching these two rescue a stranded duckling, we’re struggling to believe that.

Watch the full video:

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