Generally speaking, attacks on hippos only occur under the following conditions:
Large males tame a juvenile or tiny hippo
Adult lions join in once the hippo is weary and subadult lions start playing and teasing with it and start to gain the upper hand.
A weakened and weary hippo finds itself far from water during the hottest part of the day. (Or departs because a large man tossed it)
They must take extraordinary risks and make risky decisions because the other prey is absent.
Mature, seasoned cats typically don't fight hippos very often. Particularly not mature hippos. They understand they aren't worth the trouble or the danger. However, similarly strong subadults will attempt it since they lack the necessary skills and patience and are significantly more gregarious.
However, similarly strong subadults will attempt it because they lack the energy and patience to catch up to more experienced prey. They also find it enjoyable.
Above: A group of subadult lions rip into a hippo using their combined strength.
Water buffalo are frequently hunted by lions; in fact, certain prides hunt them nearly exclusively. Although both prey are extremely deadly, dealing with water buffalo is much easier. (Because they can be strangled by a throat hold or kiss of death—this is untrue for hippos.)
It usually takes many pride members to bring down a buffalo. (& significantly simpler w a male in the mix), but I've seen both solitary men and women defeat one another. Though they are anomalies, it does occur. While some people make it appear simple, buffalo typically manage to foil an entire pride. either misjudged the level of fitness of the cow/bull they were going after, or were saved by other herd members.
Note: Hunting buffalo and hippos has resulted in numerous lion deaths or severe injuries.
Large males tame a juvenile or tiny hippo
Adult lions join in once the hippo is weary and subadult lions start playing and teasing with it and start to gain the upper hand.
A weakened and weary hippo finds itself far from water during the hottest part of the day. (Or departs because a large man tossed it)
They must take extraordinary risks and make risky decisions because the other prey is absent.
Mature, seasoned cats typically don't fight hippos very often. Particularly not mature hippos. They understand they aren't worth the trouble or the danger. However, similarly strong subadults will attempt it since they lack the necessary skills and patience and are significantly more gregarious.
Above: A group of subadult lions rip into a hippo using their combined strength.
Water buffalo are frequently hunted by lions; in fact, certain prides hunt them nearly exclusively. Although both prey are extremely deadly, dealing with water buffalo is much easier. (Because they can be strangled by a throat hold or kiss of death—this is untrue for hippos.)
It usually takes many pride members to bring down a buffalo. (& significantly simpler w a male in the mix), but I've seen both solitary men and women defeat one another. Though they are anomalies, it does occur. While some people make it appear simple, buffalo typically manage to foil an entire pride. either misjudged the level of fitness of the cow/bull they were going after, or were saved by other herd members.
Note: Hunting buffalo and hippos has resulted in numerous lion deaths or severe injuries.